Motivational enhancement and other brief interventions for adolescent substance abuse: foundations, applications and evaluations

Abstract

Aims: To present a comprehensive review of the use of motivational enhancement and other brief interventions for substance use in adolescents.

Methods: In this paper, we review the major theoretical foundations and influences of brief interventions (including motivational interviewing), consider developmental issues in its application for adolescents, discuss methodological issues in the design and implementation of brief interventions, including the assessment of treatment fidelity, evaluate and interpret the latest findings on brief interventions for adolescents and young people and discuss the issue of translating and exporting effective research into practice.

Findings: Results from recent clinical trials using motivational interventions indicate that these approaches result in decreases in substance-related negative consequences and problems, decrements in substance use and increased treatment engagement, with results particularly strong for those with heavier substance use patterns and/or less motivation to change.

Conclusion: While results are promising, more research is needed to examine the essential elements of motivational interventions, for whom they work best, and their impact on developmental transitions during adolescence.