Christoff AO, Boerngen-Lacerda R. (2015). Reducing substance involvement in college students: A three-arm parallel-group randomized controlled trial of a computer-based intervention. Addictive Behaviors, 45c, 164-171. PMID: 25679364.
Authors investigated the effectiveness of a computerized screening and brief motivational intervention for substance use in college students. Brazilian undergraduates (N=815) were randomly assigned to receive two sessions of computerized screening plus a brief intervention (Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement; ASSIST/MBIc), screening and a brief intervention with a clinician (ASSIST/MBIi), or to screening only (ASSIST Only). Alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, and other substance use were measured at both sessions, conducted 90 days apart. Results showed that alcohol, tobacco, and other substance use decreased for all students over the 90 days. Students receiving ASSIST/MBIc had larger reductions in alcohol scores compared to students completing the ASSIST Only. Students in all three groups had little change in their cannabis use, suggesting the screening and brief interventions may not impact cannabis use in college students.