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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2009 May;70(3):409-13.
doi: 10.15288/jsad.2009.70.409.

The role of marijuana use in brief motivational intervention with young adult drinkers treated in an emergency department

Molly Magill  1 , Nancy P Barnett, Timothy R Apodaca, Damaris J Rohsenow, Peter M Monti
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

The role of marijuana use in brief motivational intervention with young adult drinkers treated in an emergency department

Molly Magill et al. J Stud Alcohol Drugs. 2009 May.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this research was to study marijuana use, associated risks, and response to brief motivational intervention among young adult drinkers treated in an emergency department.

Method: Study participants (N = 215; ages 18-24) were in a randomized controlled trial for alcohol use that compared motivational interviewing with personalized feedback (MI) with personalized feedback only. Past-month marijuana users were compared with nonusers on demographics, readiness, self-efficacy, and behavioral risk variables. Marijuana use was examined as a potential moderator of alcohol outcomes. Whether marijuana use alone or combined marijuana and alcohol use would be reduced as a result of brief intervention for alcohol was examined at 6 and 12 months.

Results: Current marijuana users were younger, were more likely to be white, and reported more alcohol use, other illicit drug use, and more alcohol-related consequences than nonmarijuana users. Marijuana use at baseline did not moderate response to brief alcohol treatment. Marijuana use declined from baseline to 6 months for both treatment groups, but only MI participants continued to reduce their use of marijuana from 6- to 12-month follow-up. Reductions in number of days of use of marijuana with alcohol appeared to be primarily a function of decreased alcohol use.

Conclusions: Young adult drinkers reporting current marijuana use are at generally higher risk but responded to brief alcohol treatment by reducing alcohol and marijuana use.

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References

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