Motivational interviewing among psychiatric in-patients with substance use disorders

Objective: There were three aims of the present study: 1) to document patterns of substance misuse among psychiatric in-patients with comorbid alcohol and other drug (AOD) use; 2) to examine associations among psychiatric and substance use diagnoses and readiness to change; and 3) to evaluate the effectiveness of an opportunistic motivational interview on engagement in a Specialist Substance Misuse Service (SSMS). Method: One hundred and sixty subjects were randomly assigned to receive either a motivational interview or no intervention. Results: Overall, 66.3% of subjects met intervention threshold for cannabis, 60.6% for alcohol and 22.5% for amphetamines. There was a bimodal distribution of stage of change for cannabis use which was associated with age, with precontemplation being associated with older age and less frequent use. Attendance at the SSMS was low and unrelated to intervention status. Conclusion: A different approach to treatment is recommended, including early intervention among cannabis users.