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Brief motivational techniques and alcohol misuse

Some evidence – there is enough evidence to indicate that this can be a helpful treatment option.

Brief motivational interventions can be delivered in different ways and are often part of another treatment. For example, if you have an injury related to alcohol misuse and need to go to A & E then you might be offered a short counselling session lasting 5-10 minutes. This would look at:

  • the risks related to how you drink alcohol
  • advice about reducing or stopping drinking alcohol
  • the help that’s available to help you stop drinking alcohol
  • any emotional issues related your drinking

Brief motivational interventions might also be delivered over one or two longer sessions and help you to think through the possible benefits and concerns to do with stopping drinking alcohol.

You should not be offered a brief motivational intervention as a standalone treatment for alcohol misuse. Instead, this type of treatment should be part of your initial assessment or part of other treatments (such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or family based treatments).

Treatments outlined on these webpages may not be available in every local area. It’s important that you discuss with your GP or mental health professional the treatment options available to you. You can also search for services near you on our Youth Wellbeing Directory and find out more about referral processes here.

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