Purpose:

There are few efficacious prevention interventions for emerging adults (ages 18–25) drug use and concomitant risks (e.g., sexual risk behaviors). We developed and evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of an Emergency Department (ED)-initiated brief intervention (BI) combined with booster messaging as a clinician-extender primarily focusing on drug use, with a secondary focus on condomless sex. We examined descriptive outcomes of alcohol, drug use, and condomless sex.

Procedures:

We recruited N = 63 emerging adults who used drugs (primarily cannabis) from an ED (72.4% participation rate). Their mean age was 21.7 years (SD = 2.3); 67% were female and 52.4% were Black/African American. Participants randomized to the intervention (N = 31) received a BI and 28 days of tailored booster messaging (based on drug use motives) daily, and the control condition received a community resource brochure. A post-test occurred at 1-month with a follow-up at 2-months.

Results:

The intervention was well-received (83.9% allocated completed the BI) with 79% overall liking the BI and 71% finding it helpful to discuss substances. Mean ratings of booster messages were ≥4.0 (5-point scale); 77% liked the daily messages and 91% found them helpful. Descriptively, the intervention group evidenced absolute reductions over time on alcohol outcomes, cannabis use, and condomless sex.

Conclusions:

This BI with booster messages was feasible and acceptable in the target population of emerging adults who use drugs (i.e., mostly cannabis). This intervention model, initiated during a healthcare visit and accompanied by a clinician-extender, should be tested in a future fully-powered trial.