Guide to a Brief Intervention on Alcohol Use
Patient File
Name: Joshua Nelson
Age: 15
Reason for visit
Josh was admitted to the hospital last night after jumping off a roof into a hot tub at a party. His ankle has been treated, and you have an opportunity
now to discuss his substance use screening results.
Substance Use Screen
Alcohol: Weekly (High Risk)
Marijuana: Never
Other: Never
Mental Health Screen
No risk for depression
Medications
None
Allergies
Penicillin
Screening Question
Josh's screening results indicate a weekly (high-risk) use of alcohol. What should you do?
- Continue his appointment without addressing the screening.
- Positively reinforce his decision to not drink too much.
- Explain that you have to tell his parents about his alcohol use.
- Engage him in a conversation about substance use and a plan for behavior change.
The correct answer is D. for teens in this category you will provide a brief intervention.
Introduction
PROVIDER: Hi, Josh, how are you feeling?
JOSH: Well, I've been better.
PROVIDER: I'm sorry to hear that. Mind chatting while you wait for your X-rays?
JOSH: (jokingly) I don't know. I'm pretty slammed today.
PROVIDER: (chuckles) So yes, you can talk?
JOSH: (sighs) Yeah, sure.
COACH: In a brief intervention, your first goal is to build rapport with your patient or client.