Motivational interviewing to reduce substance-related consequences: effects for incarcerated adolescents with depressed mood.

Abstract

The impact of depressed mood on Motivational Interviewing (MI) to reduce risky behaviors and consequences in incarcerated adolescents was examined in this brief report. Adolescents (N=189) were randomly assigned to receive MI or Relaxation Training (RT). At 3-month follow-up assessment, MI significantly reduced risks associated with marijuana use, with a trend towards reducing risks associated with alcohol use. There was also a trend for depressive symptoms to be associated with reduced risks after release. Interaction effects were non-significant, indicating no moderating effects for depressed mood on treatment outcome. MI may be a useful treatment for incarcerated adolescents in order to reduce risks and consequences associated with substance use after release.