Motivational interviewing among psychiatric in-patients with substance use disorders.
OBJECTIVE
There were three aims of the present study: 1) to document patterns of substance misuse among psychiatric in-patients with comorbid alcohol and other drug (AOD) use; 2) to examine associations among psychiatric and substance use diagnoses and readiness to change; and 3) to evaluate the effectiveness of an opportunistic motivational interview on engagement in a Specialist Substance Misuse Service (SSMS).


METHODS
One hundred and sixty subjects were randomly assigned to receive either a motivational interview or no intervention.


RESULTS
Overall, 66.3% of subjects met intervention threshold for cannabis, 60.6% for alcohol and 22.5% for amphetamines. There was a bimodal distribution of stage of change for cannabis use which was associated with age, with precontemplation being associated with older age and less frequent use. Attendance at the SSMS was low and unrelated to intervention status.


CONCLUSIONS
A different approach to treatment is recommended, including early intervention among cannabis users.
Baker
Amanda
A
Centre for Mental Health Studies, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia, Hunter Mental Health, Australia. amanda.baker@newcastle.edu.au
Lewin
Terry
T
Reichler
Heidi
H
Clancy
Richard
R
Carr
Vaughan
V
Garrett
Rachel
R
Sly
Ketrina
K
Devir
Holly
H
Terry
Margarett
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D007406:Interview, Psychological / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D009042:Motivation; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy