Protective behavioral strategies and alcohol consequences following a group-based motivational intervention for young adults experiencing homelessness.

OBJECTIVE

Young adults experiencing homelessness are at high risk for alcohol-related consequences, but protective behavioral strategies (PBS) have not been investigated as a harm reduction approach in this population. This study examines longitudinal associations between PBS and alcohol-related consequences following a group-based alcohol intervention.

METHOD: Data come from AWARE, a randomized controlled trial of a group-based motivational intervention to reduce substance use and risky sex compared to usual care. Participants include 276 young adults experiencing homelessness (Mage = 22.08, 30% female, 84% non-White) receiving drop-in center services in Los Angeles County, California. Surveys were conducted at baseline and 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up. Bivariate latent change score models examined cross-lagged associations between PBS and alcohol consequences for participants who drank at least once over the course of the study, controlling for demographics and intervention condition.

RESULTS

PBS were associated with significant wave-to-wave reductions in alcohol consequences (δ range = -2.53 to -11.22), and alcohol consequences were associated with significant reductions in PBS usage between the 3- and 6-month follow-ups (δ = -0.02, p = .01) and between the 12- and 24-month follow-ups (δ = -0.08, p = .004). In addition, the AWARE intervention was associated with increased PBS usage between the 3- and 6-month follow-ups (δ = 0.30, p = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Among young adults experiencing homelessness, greater use of PBS is associated with significant reductions in alcohol consequences over time. Furthermore, PBS may increase following a group-based motivational intervention. PBS are a promising harm reduction strategy for this population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).