NCT05489068 · University of New Mexico
Motivational Interviewing at Intake vs Intake as Usual on Client Engagement in Addiction Treatment
What this study is about
This K23 study is an effectiveness-implementation hybrid type I design to determine the effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing at Intake (MII), relative to intake-as-usual on client engagement and mechanisms of engagement among adults seeking outpatient addiction treatment.
View original scientific description
This K23 study is an effectiveness-implementation hybrid type I design to determine the effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing at Intake (MII), relative to intake-as-usual on client engagement and mechanisms of engagement among adults seeking outpatient addiction treatment. We also will obtain personnel feedback on the feasibility of implementing MII into standard practice by having personnel from the addiction treatment study sites complete implementation climate measures before Motivational Interviewing (MI) training and post-clinical trial, as well as an individual interview on implementation feasibility post-trial.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Motivational Interviewing at Intake (MII)
The MII will involve a goal-oriented and collaborative conversation about why the client wants treatment now, and how treatment might fit with his/her most important values. The provider will use open questions, reflective listening and autonomy support in a flexible, non-authoritative manner. Rather than asking specific questions in different life domains, the provider will explore with the client their desires, abilities, reasons, and needs for treatment, how treatment fits with their values, and what successful treatment looks like to them. The client's language about change will be strategically reinforced to increase its frequency and strength across the session.
BEHAVIORAL
Intake as Usual (IAU)
In line with the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) guidelines, the IAU condition involves a semi-structured interview of the client's psychosocial history and clients answer a series of questions in the following domains: support system, living situation, educational, occupational, family, and medical history.
Primary outcome measures
Number of participants who attended the first outpatient treatment program session based on electronic medical record review
Time frame: up to 36 weeks
Treatment entry is determined by review of electronic medical record of whether clients attended their first scheduled treatment session
Number of treatment sessions attended during the three-month outpatient treatment program based on electronic medical record review
Time frame: up to 36 weeks
Number of treatment sessions that clients attend is determined by review of electronic medical record and calculating number of treatment sessions attended.
Number of participants who completed the three-month outpatient treatment program based on electronic medical record review
Time frame: up to 36 weeks
Completion of the three-month outpatient treatment program is determined by review of electronic medical record
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- (client participants):
- English-speaking adults seeking treatment for alcohol or other drug use at one of two outpatient addiction treatment programs
- Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
- Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures
- Physically withdrawn from alcohol or other drugs Inclusion Criteria (personnel participants):
- English-speaking adults currently employed at one of the two outpatient addiction treatment programs
- Provision of electronic informed consent
Exclusion criteria
- (client participants):
- Experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms
- Actively psychotic, manic, and/or suicidal Exclusion Criteria (personnel participants):
- current position: facility owner or clinical director
Where
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
Collaborators
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Mar 9, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations