Training Master of Social Work Students in Brief Intervention for Unhealthy Alcohol Use: Results of a Validated Adherence Assessment

Many social workers receive limited training in working with clients engaged in unhealthy substance use. As a result, national organizations and agencies such as the Council on Social Work Education and individual social work programs are beginning to address this need by incorporating training into higher education social work programs. The purpose of this study was to examine Master of Social Work (MSW) students’ adherence to a brief intervention protocol for unhealthy alcohol use. A total of 91 MSW students consented to the assessment of their digital, audio-recorded class assignment by independent raters. Although 90% of MSW student participants were found to be overall adherent to the protocol, gaps in training quality were also identified. Lessons learned for addressing the gaps are discussed, along with future directions for teaching and learning in social work related to substance use.