A randomized controlled trial of a brief motivational interviewing-based group intervention for emerging adults experiencing homelessness: 24-month effects on alcohol use.

Objective: Despite rates of alcohol misuse being higher among emerging adults experiencing homelessness compared to those who are stably housed, there are few brief evidence-based risk reduction programs for this population that focus on alcohol use and assess outcomes for more than 1 year. This study examines alcohol outcomes from a 24-month evaluation of AWARE, a brief motivational interviewing-based group risk reduction intervention for emerging adults experiencing homelessness.

Method: In a cluster randomized crossover trial, 18- to 25- year-olds received AWARE (n = 132) or standard care (n = 144) at one of three drop-in centers serving young people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County. We evaluated intervention effects on past month alcohol use, consequences, and related cognitions such as motivation to change behavior.

Results: AWARE participants showed significant reductions over 24 months in alcohol use and negative consequences from drinking and reported significant increases in their use of drinking protective strategies. Except for drinking frequency, control group participants did not show a significant change in these outcomes.

Conclusions: Findings build on earlier work by demonstrating that AWARE is effective in reducing alcohol use and related problems among emerging adults experiencing homelessness over a 2-year period. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).