Implementation of a brief motivational intervention for alcohol and other drug using Latinx college students

Abstract

Alcohol and other drug (AOD) use problems among college students continue to represent a public health epidemic. In 2019, historically high rates of binge-drinking and marijuana use were reported among college-age adults, and the detrimental effects of excessive AOD use in college, such as poorer academic performance, sexual assault, injury or overdoses, and a range of other negative consequences, have been well-documented. Thus, there is a continued need for effective implementation of evidence-based, cost-effective interventions aimed at reducing risks associated with collegiate AOD use. Guided Self Change (GSC) is a brief intervention involving motivational enhancement and cognitive-behavioral strategies and has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing AOD use problems. Its brevity, client-driven style, and concrete here-and-now focus are appealing to individuals struggling with mild to moderate AOD use problems. In order to successfully intervene with collegians with AOD use problems attending minority-serving institutions, GSC requires developmental and cultural tailoring. The current report describes the developmental and cultural tailoring of GSC for emerging adult Latinx collegians, as well as our consumer-driven addition of mindfulness content. Key components of our GSC program are documented through qualitative feedback, quantitative results, and case vignettes.

Keywords:

• Alcohol and other drug use
• AOD use
• brief motivational intervention
• CBT
• college students
• Guided Self-Change
• Latinx
• MI

Acknowledgments

Robbert Langwerden acknowledges he is a graduate student at the Donders Institute of Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour at the Radboud University Nijmegen in addition to his position at Florida International University.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no relevant conflicts of interest to disclose.The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of United States of America and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of Florida International University.

Notes on contiburors

Staci L. Morris, Michelle Hospital, and Robbert Langwerden conducted the analyses and drafted first editions of the manuscript. Michelle Hospital and Eric Wagner reviewed, edited, and approved the analyses and manuscript.

Data availability statement

The data reported on in this manuscript are not open and not available for sharing.

Additional information

Funding

The authors gratefully acknowledge use of the services and facilities supported in part by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA 1H79SP021160) and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (NIMHD U54MD012393). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH. FIU Partnership for Preventing Health Risks among Youth; SAMHSA 1H79SP021160-01; P I: Wagner.