Overview
Brief motivational interventions (BMIs) are an individualized method to address substance use patterns with personalized feedback from facilitators applying motivational interviewing techniques.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) mentions that
“BMI combines a brief intervention with motivational interviewing. BMI emphasizes personal responsibility and self-efficacy of participants, offering them personalized feedback on their alcohol use, risks, expectancies, perceptions of social norms, and options for reducing problems and consequences. Discussions are guided by a trained facilitator. Goals for behavioral change are set by participants.” [^0]
The Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) is one of the most common forms of BMI that involves a trained facilitator reviewing personalized feedback with an individual who directs their own goal. Studies since 1990 have found that it effectively helps students identify risky patterns in their consumption of alcohol and make lifestyle adjustments to meet goals to cut back.