The shape of a brief drug intervention will depend on the particular situation. Broadly speaking, though, it will follow a three-step approach:
- Screening
- Advice
- Next Steps
A brief intervention can take anywhere between 5 and 30 minutes, and it can vary in tone from an advice based session to a period of short-format counselling.
Screening
Screening is another word for assessment. The screening process is a way of getting a clear picture of the drug-related behaviour currently taking place. One of the main screening tools for drug use is the CAGE-AID. It is likely that a screening in a brief intervention drug context will include the following questions:
- Have you ever felt the need to cut down on your drug use?
- Have people annoyed you by criticising your drug use?
- Have you ever felt guilty about your drug use?
- Have you ever used drugs in the morning to help you deal with a hangover or to get through the day?
A screening may begin by asking you more general questions about your current situation, asking:
- If you use drugs
- What drugs you use
- How often you use them
- If you are aware of the risks associated with this type of drug use
Advice
Following a screening, the brief interventionist will have developed a clearer picture of your current situation. They will then be able to firstly assess the level of risk involved. After identifying this risk, they will relay appropriate information and advice with the goal of increasing awareness of potential drug-related risks. During this advice, they may discuss:
- The physical health effects linked to the drug(s) being used
- The psychological health effects linked to the drug(s) being used
- The socioeconomic effects linked to the drug(s) being used
- Withdrawal symptoms of the drug(s) being used
- A tailored plan for reduced use
- Potential resources for you to access
The advice given in a brief intervention comes from a place of support, not judgement. It is important to remember that those who conduct drug interventions are professionals distributing health advice, not penalising you in any way.
Next Steps
Brief interventions intend to give individuals a ‘menu of options’ of how to move forward. This could include:
- Referrals to local drug and alcohol services
- Recommended contact with a GP
- Providing details for local support groups (such as Narcotics Anonymous)
- Providing information on local harm reduction support (such as safe sharps disposal)
It is possible that an individual may have more than one brief intervention. If the risk level remains high, more formal, structured addiction rehabilitation support may be recommended.