# An Adapted Brief Negotiation Interview for Alcohol and Cannabis Use Among Assault-Injured Emerging Adults > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/brief-cannabis-intervention-emergency-department/ > **Published:** 2026-04-27T02:21:00-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T10:09:56-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore the brief cannabis intervention emergency department protocol for assault-injured emerging adults with alcohol and cannabis misuse. --- CED Clinical Relevance  #86High Clinical Relevance Evidence Brief | CED ClinicEmergency department pilot protocol adapts brief negotiation interview for assault-injured young adults with [cannabis and alcohol](https://cedclinic.com/can-you-mix-weed-and-alcohol/) misuse. Emergency MedicineBrief InterventionCannabisAlcoholProtocol Emergency department pilot protocol adapts brief negotiation interview for assault-injured young adults with [cannabis and alcohol](https://cedclinic.com/can-you-mix-weed-and-alcohol/) misuse. What This Study Teaches Us This protocol paper outlines the systematic adaptation of an existing brief intervention for a high-risk population combining trauma exposure with substance misuse. The mixed-methods approach to identify shared psychosocial risk factors represents a methodologically sound strategy for intervention tailoring. Why This Matters Assault-injured emerging adults with substance misuse face compounded risks and frequently present to emergency departments where brief interventions could be implemented. Developing evidence-based protocols for this vulnerable population addresses a significant clinical gap. Study Snapshot Study Type Protocol for Randomized Pilot Trial Population Assault-injured emerging adults with alcohol and/or cannabis misuse presenting to Emergency Department Intervention Adapted Brief Negotiation Interview (BNI) Comparator Not specified in abstract Primary Outcome Feasibility and acceptability measures Key Finding Protocol development described, no results reported Journal Contemporary [Clinical Trials](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-emotional-memory-ptsd-treatment/) Year Not specified in provided abstract Clinical Bottom Line This represents a protocol paper describing methodology rather than reporting intervention outcomes. The systematic approach to adapting brief interventions for cannabis and alcohol misuse in trauma-exposed populations follows established intervention development principles. What This Paper Does Not Show This protocol paper provides no outcome data on intervention effectiveness, feasibility, or acceptability. No results on substance use patterns, assault recurrence, or clinical outcomes are reported since this describes planned methodology rather than completed research. Where This Paper Deserves Skepticism Protocol papers cannot demonstrate intervention efficacy or real-world implementation challenges. The brief intervention approach, while evidence-based in other contexts, may face significant barriers in emergency department settings with acutely injured patients. Dr. Caplan's Take I see promise in adapting brief interventions for high-risk populations, but emergency departments remain challenging environments for substance use counseling. The focus on cannabis alongside alcohol reflects evolving substance use patterns, though brief interventions have stronger evidence for alcohol than cannabis misuse. What a Careful Reader Should Take Away This protocol describes a methodologically sound approach to intervention adaptation but provides no outcome data. The combination of assault injury and substance misuse represents a clinically important target population that warrants intervention development research. Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? [Ask Dr. Caplan →](https://benjamincaplan.com/ask-dr-caplan) Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? [Join the forum discussion →](https://cedclinic.com/interact/discussion-forums/forum/cannabis-industry/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [X Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Just%20read%20this%20on%20CEDclinic.com%3A%20An%20adapted%20brief%20negotiation%20interview%20for%20alcohol%20and%20cannabis%20use%20among%20assault-injured%20emerging%20a...%20%40drcaplan&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fbrief-cannabis-intervention-emergency-department-protocol-study%2F)[in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fbrief-cannabis-intervention-emergency-department-protocol-study%2F)[🦅 Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Just%20read%20this%3A%20An%20adapted%20brief%20negotiation%20interview%20for%20alcohol%20and%20cannabis%20use%20among%20assault-injured%20emerging%20a...%20via%20%40drcaplan.bsky.social%20https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fbrief-cannabis-intervention-emergency-department-protocol-study%2F)[📷 Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan)[📝 Read more on Substack](https://doctorapprovedcannabis.substack.com/)[🔔 Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/feed/) Table of Contents - [FAQ](#FAQ)[What is the Brief Negotiation Interview (BNI) and why is it being adapted for assault-injured patients?](#What_is_the_Brief_Negotiation_Interview_BNI_and_why_is_it_being_adapted_for_assault-injured_patients) - [Why are emerging adults with assault injuries at higher risk for substance-related problems?](#Why_are_emerging_adults_with_assault_injuries_at_higher_risk_for_substance-related_problems) - [How will the adapted BNI differ from the standard intervention?](#How_will_the_adapted_BNI_differ_from_the_standard_intervention) - [What will this pilot study measure to determine if the intervention is effective?](#What_will_this_pilot_study_measure_to_determine_if_the_intervention_is_effective) - [Why is the emergency department an important setting for this type of intervention?](#Why_is_the_emergency_department_an_important_setting_for_this_type_of_intervention) - [Related](#Related) ## FAQ #### What is the Brief Negotiation Interview (BNI) and why is it being adapted for assault-injured patients? The Brief Negotiation Interview is a brief behavioral intervention originally designed to address substance misuse. This study adapts the BNI specifically for assault-injured emerging adults with alcohol and/or cannabis misuse presenting to emergency departments, as this population faces disproportionately high risks for both substance misuse and assault injury. #### Why are emerging adults with assault injuries at higher risk for substance-related problems? Emerging adults (typically ages 18-29) are disproportionately at risk for both substance misuse and assault injury. When these factors combine, assault-injured emerging adults with substance misuse have increased risk of morbidity and mortality compared to those without substance use issues. #### How will the adapted BNI differ from the standard intervention? The researchers will first conduct a mixed methods study to identify shared psychosocial risk factors that contribute to both alcohol/cannabis misuse and assault injury in this population. These findings will then be used to specifically tailor the BNI intervention to address the unique needs and risk factors of assault-injured emerging adults. #### What will this pilot study measure to determine if the intervention is effective? The pilot [randomized trial](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cannabinoids-therapeutic-applications-review/) will evaluate both the feasibility and acceptability of the adapted BNI intervention when delivered in emergency department settings. These measures will help determine whether the intervention can be practically implemented and whether patients find it acceptable before larger efficacy studies. #### Why is the emergency department an important setting for this type of intervention? Assault-injured emerging adults with substance misuse often receive care in emergency departments, making the ED a critical point of contact for intervention. The emergency department visit represents a teachable moment when patients may be more receptive to brief behavioral interventions addressing their substance use and injury risk. [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [A Brief Intervention for Cannabis Use](https://cedclinic.com/brief-interventions-cannabis-use-disorder-clinical-trial/) Learn about [clinical trials](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-emotional-memory-ptsd-treatment/) focused on brief interventions for [cannabis use disorder](https://cedclinic.com/sex-differences-cannabis-stress-reactivity-oxytocin/) and their implications for treatment. [Read More](https://cedclinic.com/brief-interventions-cannabis-use-disorder-clinical-trial/) [An Adapted Brief Negotiation Interview for Alcohol and Cannabis Use Among Assault-Injured Emerging Adults: A Randomized Pilot Trial Protocol](https://cedclinic.com/assault-injured-emerging-adults-substance-use-intervention/) Explore the detailed protocol for adapting brief negotiation interviews targeting substance use in assault-injured young adults. [Explore Protocol](https://cedclinic.com/assault-injured-emerging-adults-substance-use-intervention/) [Endocannabinoid System Research: Trauma and Substance Use](https://cedclinic.com/pre-trauma-insomnia-alcohol-cannabis-risk/) Understand the role of the [endocannabinoid system](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-fear-extinction/) in trauma and substance use, providing context for intervention development. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/pre-trauma-insomnia-alcohol-cannabis-risk/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).