NCJ Number
226586
Journal
Drug and Alcohol Review Volume: 28 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2009 Pages: 129-134
Date Published
March 2009
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study examined the effectiveness of advice for young cannabis users in the United Kingdom, a widely accepted and recommended practice.
Abstract
The results found a cluster of Information Management activities identified together with an Interactive Orientation evident in a series of specific behaviors. Participants were most successfully engaged when both were combined, understood as ‘Personalized Advice-giving’. Current United Kingdom health policy emphasizes the facilitation of healthy choices by individuals through the provision of information, advice, and support. Advice for young drug users is a common activity. However, the effectiveness of advice on drug use given to young people is largely unknown with no real tradition of research study. A qualitative study was undertaken blind to outcome at the individual level and with a focus on practitioner behavior. The intent was to assist further research on the detailed content and methods of advice giving, with a view to enhance effectiveness. The study consisted of 326 participants which comprised a qualitative analysis of audio-recordings of advice sessions delivered within a 2-arm trial seeking to reduce cannabis-related risk among young people. 1 figure and 16 references