In Project CHOICES, women were at risk for alcohol-exposed pregnancy primarily due to inadequate contraception combined with episodic risky drinking, but most were not requesting alcohol treatment or gynecological services. Therefore, increasing a woman's internal motivation for change in one or both of these behaviors was a critical objective. In problem drinkers, brief interventions including motivational interviewing are effective in reducing drinking and enhancing treatment engagement across diverse drinking samples, although the literature on changing dual behaviors is scant. We developed a 4 session, manual-guided counseling intervention based on the motivational interviewing counseling style that incorporates behavioral therapy and guided self-change techniques. Counselors were trained in motivational interviewing and the Project CHOICES counseling protocol, and used quality assurance forms with a supervisor. A counselor's manual and a participant workbook are used to facilitate the sessions, which range from 1-2 hours in length. The counseling sessions prepare the woman for a contraceptive information session, and allow her to debrief her remaining concerns about contraception. The contraception visit can include information only, or provision of a method, depending on the woman's interest. The Project CHOICES intervention facilitates the woman's exploration and resolution of her ambivalence about making changes in her drinking or contraception, supports her efforts in making change, and helps her implement desired changes through exploring barriers to maintaining change. Setting-specific adaptations in the intervention that meet the needs of diverse samples will be highlighted.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this paper, participants will be able to discuss key components of the 4 session motivational enhancement therapy and contraception counseling intervention used in Project CHOICES.
Keywords: Behavior Modification, Alcohol Use
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.