Abstract
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the use of two brief intervention conditions for adolescents (aged 12–18 years) who have been
identified in a school setting as abusing alcohol and other drugs. Adolescents and their parents (N = 315) were randomly assigned to receive
either a two-session adolescent-only (BI-A), two-session adolescent and additional parent session (BI-AP), or assessment-only control
condition (CON). Interventions were manually guided and delivered in a school setting by trained counselors. Adolescents and parents were
assessed at intake and at 6 months following the completion of the intervention. Analyses of relative (change from intake to 6 months) and
absolute (status at 6 months) outcome variables indicated that for the most part, adolescents in the BI-A and BI-AP conditions showed
significantly more reductions in drug use behaviors compared with the CON group. In addition, youth receiving the BI-AP condition showed
significantly better outcomes compared with the BI-A group on several variables. Problem-solving skills and use of additional counseling
services mediated outcome. The value of a school-based brief intervention for students is discussed. © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Adolescence; Drug abuse; Brief intervention