Designing a Text-Based Intervention to Help Young Adults Use Cannabis and Alcohol More Safely

Through focus groups and cognitive interviews with young adults, researchers developed an interactive online intervention followed by 8 weeks of text messages (3 per week) promoting protective behavioral strategies. The intervention targets quality and consistency of strategy use at the daily level, rather than just overall use reduction.

Mixed-methods development process: 6 initial focus groups and 13 cognitive interviews to understand PBS motivations and barriers, followed by intervention design, then 3 additional focus groups and 9 cognitive interviews for refinement. Final intervention: brief web-based session plus 8 weeks of text messages.

Most substance use interventions focus on reduction, but many young adults will continue using. Protective behavioral strategies — practical tips for using more safely — offer a realistic harm reduction approach that meets young people where they are.

The shift from 'just say no' to 'use more safely' reflects modern harm reduction thinking. By focusing on daily-level behavioral strategies rather than abstinence, this approach could reach the many young adults who won't stop using but could use more safely.

Describes intervention development only — no efficacy data reported. Focus group participants may not represent all young dual-use adults. Text-message engagement rates unknown. Long-term behavior change not assessed.