Brief motivational intervention with homeless adolescents: Evaluating effects on substance use and service utilization

TitleBrief motivational intervention with homeless adolescents: Evaluating effects on substance use and service utilization
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2007
AuthorsBaer, JS, Garrett, SB, Beadnell, B, Wells, EA, Peterson, PL
JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors
Volume21
Pagination582-586
PublisherAmerican Psychological Association
Place PublishedUS
Publication Languageeng
ISBN Number0893-164X1939-1501
Accession Number2007-18113-018. First Author & Affiliation: Baer, John S.
Keywordsadolescent substance use, brief intervention, Brief Psychotherapy, Drug abuse, Drug Rehabilitation, Harm Reduction, Health Care Utilization, Homeless, homeless adolescents, Intervention, Motivational intervention, motivational interviewing, Treatment Effectiveness Evaluation
Abstract

A brief motivational intervention with 117 homeless adolescents was evaluated using a randomized design and 3-month follow-up. The intervention was designed to raise youths' concerns about their substance use, support harm reduction, and encourage greater service utilization at a collaborating agency. The study was designed to strengthen initial promising results of an earlier study (P. L. Peterson, J. S. Baer, E. A. Wells, J. A. Ginzler, & S. B. Garrett, 2006). Several modifications in the clinical protocol were included to enhance engagement with the intervention. Analyses revealed no significant benefits for intervention participants when homeless youths' substance use rates were compared with those of control participants. Service utilization during the intervention period increased for those receiving the intervention but returned to baseline levels at follow-up. Participants reported overall reductions in substance use over time. Differences between sampling methods for the current and previous study are discussed, as are the limitations of brief interventions with this population. Future research needs to elucidate mechanisms of change and service engagement for highly vulnerable youth. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)

URLhttp://libproxy.unm.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=psyh&AN=2007-18113-018&login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=sitejsbaer@u.washington.edu
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