BRIEF THERAPIES
The efficacy of brief interventions has been studied mostly in connection with alcohol use disorders. The interventions were initially designed to facilitate the treatment of alcohol abuse or dependence in a setting other than a substance abuse treatment facility (e.g., primary care clinic). More recent evidence suggests that brief interventions are also effective with other substance use disorders, including cannabis, opioid, and nicotine dependence and in special populations such as adolescents, patients with co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders, and patients in the military.
The A-FRAMES model is the core structure of a brief intervention:
Assessment, providing objective
Feedback, emphasizing that
Responsibility for change belongs to the patient, giving clear
Advice about the benefits of change, providing a
Menu of options for treatment to facilitate change, using
Empathic listening, and emphasizing and encouraging
Self-efficacy with the patient. Despite the short time required to implement a brief intervention, treatment facilities that do not specialize in substance abuse treatment often experience difficulties in using this strategy, including inadequate time available during face-to-face encounters and clinicians' negative attitudes toward substance use.
Brief Intervention and brief therapies are some of the most widespread and standard forms of help provided to substance abuse patients by Los Angeles and Orange healthcare providers.
If you have questions whether you or a loved one has a problem with drug use or alcohol use or if you believe you or a loved one may be an addict please click here.
Return to Glossary
Contact Us