Brief Counseling to Reduce Injuries Among Emergency Department Patients Who Report Alcohol and Substance Use

Brief Counseling to Reduce Injuries Among Emergency Department Patients Who Report Alcohol and Substance Use

The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of two brief counseling sessions delivered to emergency department (ED) patients who report conjoint alcohol and marijuana use, in reducing injuries and other negative consequences, in comparison to an assessment only group.

Alcohol and substance use remain a significant predictor of injuries, health and psychosocial consequences. ED patients who were not being treated for critical conditions were asked about their use of alcohol and marijuana. Patients who self-reported the use of both substances were asked to participate in the study. Recruited participants were given a baseline assessment and then randomized a treatment or a control condition. The treatment condition consisted of two 40 minute sessions of brief counseling. The first session took place in the ED the second session occurred within two weeks of being seen in the ED. Participants completed assessments three and twelve months after being recruited in the ED. The primary dependent variables for this study are 12 month injuries and self-reported levels of negative life consequences associated with alcohol and marijuana use.

Inclusion Criteria: Male and female outpatients 18 years of age or older. Participants will have a current DSM-IV diagnosis of alcohol dependence. Participants will have signed a witnessed informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: Participants who meet current DSM-IV criteria for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, dementia, or a psychological disorder requiring medication. Participants who have had more than seven days of inpatient treatment for substance use disorders in the 30 days previous to randomization.