Brief Motivational Intervention for High-Risk Drinking and Illicit Drug Use in Mandated and Voluntary College Freshmen

Introduction: Alcohol consumption and illicit drug use among college students are national public health concerns with over 45% of students engaging in heavy drinking and 20% using illicit drugs. Mandated students who have violated campus alcohol policies often are at higher risk for heavy drinking and illicit drug use. Purpose: This longitudinal study compared the effectiveness of the Brief Motivational Intervention (BMI)in decreasing alcohol consumption and illicit drug use, as well as the associated negative consequences among mandated students (Group 1) and voluntary students (Group 2). Methods: Eligible participants (436 voluntary, 147 mandated, N = 583) who agreed to be in the study received the BMI at baseline and again at 2 weeks, with boosters at 3 months and 6 months. Assessments were completed at baseline and again at 3 months and 6 months post intervention. Descriptive statistics, frequency tables, and summary graphs were used to summarize the study variables in both groups at all three time points (baseline, 3 months, & 6 months). Results: The consequences of alcohol consumption, including blackouts, decreased significantly for both groups at baseline and 3 months, and then plateaued at 6 months. Drug use in both groups decreased between baseline and 6 months, with drug use in the mandated group declining to 10% by 6 months. Conclusion: The findings contribute to the growing body of literature on the effectiveness of alcohol prevention and intervention programs for college students and furthers the understanding of the use of the BMI.