A six-session group-based pilot intervention for alcohol and other drug use in hospitalised mentally ill young offenders

Objective This study aims to evaluate a group-based intervention for alcohol and other drug (AOD) use offered to incarcerated youth hospitalised with mental illness. Methods A six-session group-based intervention for AOD use was offered to young offenders with mental illness, hospitalised in the Adolescent Unit of the Forensic Hospital, Sydney, between June 2015 and May 2017. Pre- and post-intervention measures were collected using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Treatment Entry Questionnaire, Drug-Related Locus of Control (DRLOC) and Drug-Taking Confidence Questionnaire, short version. Results Pre- and post-intervention measures were compared utilising paired t-tests. Following the intervention, there was a significant reduction in the severity of psychiatric symptoms rated using the BPRS and a significant difference in DRLOC measures, reflecting increased internal locus of control. Conclusions Improved internal drivers for reducing AOD use and improvement in symptoms of mental illness suggest similar interventions may be beneficial and may not impact recovery even during episodes of acute illness.