Acceptability, Feasibility, and Preliminary Efficacy of the Substance Use and Health Risk Intervention (SUHRI) for Youth on Probation

Youth involved in the juvenile justice system are a vulnerable population that often engage in illegal and destructive behaviors, including substance use, crime, and risky sex practices. Brief, interactive interventions that engage at-risk youth in prosocial activities and are designed to improve decision making around high-risk behaviors are needed. The current study tested the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of a technology-based intervention for risky behavior among youth on probation. The Substance Use and Health Risk Intervention (SUHRI) is a four-session protocol using mapping-enhanced counseling and decision-making activities to reduce drug use and risky sex practices. The results showed that SUHRI was well-received by probation staff and youth. Staff (N = 27) expressed confidence in SUHRI’s recruitment approach and reported feeling comfortable when discussing the project with families. Youth (N = 34) felt comfortable completing the SUHRI sessions, believed the content was relevant, and reported that the content helped them learn strategies for handling situations involving substance use and risky sex. Receipt of SUHRI was associated with improved treatment readiness, decision making, critical thinking, and attitudes toward SU and risky sex practices. The SUHRI curriculum provides probation staff with a brief intervention aimed at enhancing decision-making skills and treatment motivation among juvenile justice youth.