Brief Intervention Helps Adolescents Curb Substance Use

Drug- and alcohol-involved middle and high school students markedly reduced their substance use following two 60-minute sessions that combined motivational interviewing (MI) and cognitive behavioral therapy.  The students also reported significantly fewer substance-related symptoms of substance use disorders during the 6 months after the intervention compared with the 6 months before it.  Adding a separate 1-hour MI-based session with a parent or primary caregiver enhanced the beneficial effects. Continue reading…