These are brief opportunistic interventions focused on motivation. They normally consist of one or two brief sessions between ten and 60 minutes, which often focus on exploring ambivalence about changing behaviour and are offered in a non-judgemental way. They should be offered to people with no or limited contact with services if they have identified concerns about their drug misuse (for example, attendees at a needle exchange or in primary care). For people not in contact with drug treatment services, such interventions are likely to produce real benefits. However, they would not routinely be offered as the main intervention by a key worker once a care plan for structured treatment was in place (Clinical Management Guidelines). It is noted that this can also include relapse prevention within this context.
This includes a client that receives information only either verbally or in writing but no further treatment.