Secondary Effects on Polydrug Use of a Brief Motivational Interviewing Intervention Designed to Reduce Alcohol Consumption among Freshmen

Aim: This study investigated the relationship of high-risk drinking and illicit drug use over 6 months for freshmen college students. The secondary effects on illicit drug use from a Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) brief motivational interviewing (BMI) intervention was examined.

Methods: The BASICS BMI intervention was implemented at a public university as a 3-year program designed to address underage drinking among freshmen. Participants were 299 volunteer freshmen from a state-supported University. Participants attended an initial baseline visit, then 2-week, 3-month, 6-month post baseline visits.

Analysis: Descriptive statistics and graphs were used to summarize study variables. Paired t-tests were used to determine differences between alcohol consumption at different time points. McNemar's test was used to compare correlated proportions (drug and marijuana).

Results: At the baseline 30% of the participants were drinking and using illicit drugs, compared with 25% at the 6-month visit. Alcohol use was associated with illicit drug use heavier drinkers have a greater probability of using illicit drug. The findings show a decrease in alcohol consumption will also decrease the probability of drug use. The study provides an empirical foundation for the development of college health interventions aimed at prevention of alcohol and drug use. These findings provide insights for health professionals practice and research related to promoting health of college students. The results of this study can potentially change the way college campuses, student health centers, and acute and community health professional work to address alcohol and illicit drug abuse in young adults.