An Adapted Brief Negotiation Interview for Alcohol and Cannabis Use Among Assault-Injured Emerging Adults: A Randomized Pilot Trial Protocol
| Journal | Contemporary clinical trials |
| Study Type | Randomized Trial |
| Population | Human participants |
Emergency departments see high volumes of young adults with combined substance use and assault injuries, yet lack evidence-based brief interventions tailored to this vulnerable population. This study addresses a critical gap by adapting the Brief Negotiation Interview specifically for assault-injured emerging adults using both alcohol and cannabis.
This is a protocol paper describing a planned pilot randomized trial that will first use mixed methods to identify psychosocial risk factors linking substance use to assault injury in emerging adults, then adapt the Brief Negotiation Interview for this population. The study targets assault-injured emerging adults (typically ages 18-25) presenting to emergency departments with concurrent alcohol and/or cannabis misuse. The protocol emphasizes the heightened morbidity and mortality risks in this population compared to those without substance use patterns. Notable limitation is that this describes the study protocol rather than presenting actual intervention outcomes.
“Emergency departments desperately need practical, evidence-based tools for substance use screening and brief intervention, especially for young adults where both trauma and substance use intersect. While promising, we’ll need to see the actual intervention results and implementation data before this changes emergency practice.”
💬 Join the Conversation
Have a question about how this applies to your situation? Ask Dr. Caplan →
Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? Join the forum discussion →
Have thoughts on this? Share it:
FAQ
What is the Brief Negotiation Interview (BNI) and how is it being adapted for assault-injured emerging adults?
The Brief Negotiation Interview is a brief behavioral intervention designed to address substance misuse in clinical settings. This study is adapting the BNI specifically for assault-injured emerging adults (typically ages 18-25) who present to the Emergency Department with alcohol and/or cannabis misuse, incorporating the unique psychosocial risk factors that contribute to both substance use and assault injury in this population.
Why are emerging adults at higher risk for both substance misuse and assault injuries?
Emerging adults (ages 18-25) are disproportionately affected by substance misuse due to developmental, social, and environmental factors during this transitional life period. The combination of substance use and higher risk-taking behaviors in this age group creates increased vulnerability to assault injuries, leading to higher rates of Emergency Department visits and associated morbidity and mortality.
How effective are brief interventions in the Emergency Department setting for substance use?
Brief interventions delivered in Emergency Department settings have shown promise for addressing substance misuse, particularly when tailored to specific populations and circumstances. This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an adapted BNI specifically for the unique needs of assault-injured emerging adults with alcohol and/or cannabis misuse.
What makes assault-injured patients with substance misuse different from other ED patients?
Assault-injured emerging adults with substance misuse represent a particularly high-risk population with increased rates of morbidity and mortality compared to those without substance use issues. The intersection of trauma, substance use, and the developmental stage of emerging adulthood creates unique psychosocial risk factors that require targeted intervention approaches rather than standard substance abuse counseling.
What are the potential clinical implications of implementing this adapted BNI in Emergency Departments?
If proven feasible and acceptable, this adapted BNI could provide Emergency Department clinicians with an evidence-based tool to address substance misuse in a vulnerable population during a critical teachable moment. Early intervention following assault injury may help reduce repeat injuries, decrease substance use patterns, and improve long-term outcomes for emerging adults at high risk for continued morbidity and mortality.
