Which statement best describes motivational interviewing (MI) and brief intervention (BI) in adolescent substance use?

• A. MI elicits motivation through collaborative conversation; BI is time-limited, goal-focused; both may involve family and referral.
• B. MI is directive and confrontational; BI is lengthy, hands-off.
• C. MI ignores ambivalence; BI requires hospitalization.
• D. MI is only for adults; BI avoidance technique.

Answer: (A)

Motivational interviewing and brief intervention emphasize engaging adolescents in a collaborative, nonjudgmental process to explore readiness to change and map out small, achievable next steps. In motivational interviewing, the focus is on eliciting the teen’s own reasons for change through open-ended questions, reflective listening, and addressing ambivalence, so change feels voluntary rather than imposed. Brief intervention complements this by being concise and goal-oriented: it provides feedback, education, and a clear plan in a time-limited format, often pairing with referrals or family involvement as needed.

That combination fits adolescent substance use well because it respects the teen’s autonomy, builds motivation from within, and offers practical steps without overwhelming them. It’s not directive or confrontational, and it doesn’t assume hospitalization or avoidance strategies. It also isn’t limited to adults; these approaches are widely used with youths to support meaningful, adolescent-appropriate change.