A randomized controlled trial of a group motivational interviewing intervention for adolescents with a first time alcohol or drug offense

J Subst Abuse Treat. 2013 Nov-Dec;45(5):400-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jsat.2013.06.005. Epub 2013 Jul 24.

Abstract

Group motivational interviewing (MI) interventions that target youth at-risk for alcohol and other drug (AOD) use may prevent future negative consequences. Youth in a teen court setting [n=193; 67% male, 45% Hispanic; mean age 16.6 (SD=1.05)] were randomized to receive either a group MI intervention, Free Talk, or usual care (UC). We examined client acceptance, and intervention feasibility and conducted a preliminary outcome evaluation. Free Talk teens reported higher quality and satisfaction ratings, and MI integrity scores were higher for Free Talk groups. AOD use and delinquency decreased for both groups at 3 months, and 12-month recidivism rates were lower but not significantly different for the Free Talk group compared to UC. Results contribute to emerging literature on MI in a group setting. A longer term follow-up is warranted.

Keywords: Adolescents; Alcohol; Delinquency; Drugs; Group motivational interviewing; Recidivism.

Publication types

  • Interview
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Alcohol Drinking / prevention & control
  • Alcohol-Related Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Hispanic or Latino
  • Humans
  • Juvenile Delinquency / rehabilitation
  • Male
  • Motivational Interviewing / methods*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Psychotherapy, Group / methods*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / prevention & control*