Motivating Treatment Seeking and Behavior Change by Untreated Military Personnel Abusing Alcohol or Drugs
Abstract
This study has developed and tested a brief telephone-delivered motivational enhancement intervention (MET) for substance abusing military personnel who are not currently in substance abuse treatment. The intervention is designed to prompt: (a) a willingness to participate voluntarily in a self-appraisal of substance abuse behavior and consequences, (b) self-initiated change or enrollment in a treatment or self-help program, and (c) cessation of abuse of alcohol or other drugs. Following focus groups with 26 participants, this study recruited 242 military personnel who have a current substance use disorder via local publicity. The recruitment period extended over a period of 41 months. Following screening and a baseline assessment, enrolled participants were randomly assigned to one of two study conditions, each consisting of one 45-60 minute session by phone: (1) the experimental MET condition, or (2) a brief educational session. The MET session involved a counselor using motivational interviewing strategies to establish an empathic relationship, to support the caller n candidly exploring the problems he/she has experienced with alcohol/drugs, and weigh the pros and cons of future options. The educational session was didactic and provided information on alcohol and drugs. Participants in both conditions were reassessed at three and six months following exposure to the intervention. Completion rates for assessments and intervention sessions were high all at 79 percent or greater, and analyses show strong evidence of the interventions efficacy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1025972
Entities
People
- Denise D. Walker
Organizations
- University of Washington