Effectiveness of motivational interviewing interventions for adolescent substance use behavior change: a meta-analytic review

Meta of 21 RCTs (n=5,471 adolescents). MI/MET for adolescent substance use produced small but reliable effects on use (g≈0.17) that persisted to follow-up. Effects larger when MI was longer (>60 min total) and when delivered with adjunctive components. Best evidence supports brief MI for alcohol/cannabis in primary care or ED triggered by CRAFFT positive screen.