Work

Motivational Interviewing for Incarcerated Adolescents: Effects of Depressive Symptoms on Reducing Alcohol and Marijuana Use After Release

Year: 2011

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Motivational interviewing to reduce alcohol and marijuana use among incarcerated adolescents was evaluated. METHOD: Adolescents (N = 162, 84% male; M = 17.10 years old) were randomly assigned to receive motivational interviewing or relaxation training, with follow-up assessment 3 months after release. RESULTS: Compared with those who received relaxation training, adolescents who received motivational interviewing had lower rates of alcohol and marijuana use at follow-up, with some evidence for moderating effects of depression. At low levels of depression, adolescents who received motivational interviewing had lower rates of use. Adolescents who received relaxation training and who had high levels of depressive symptoms early in incarceration showed less use at follow-up than those low in depressive symptoms who received relaxation training. CONCLUSIONS: This brief motivational interviewing intervention during incarceration reduces alcohol and marijuana use after release. In addition, depressive symptoms early in incarceration should be considered in treating these adolescents, but more work is needed to extend follow-up period and account for the impact of depression on outcomes.

Source: Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs

DOI: 10.15288/jsad.2011.72.497

Authors: L. A. R. Stein, Rebecca Lebeau, Suzanne M. Colby, Nancy P. Barnett, Charles Golembeske, Peter M. Monti

Institutions: University of Rhode Island, Brown University, Providence VA Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: U.S. Public Health Service