Assistant Professor Alexis Kuerbis is collaborating with investigators from Zucker Hillside Hospital in Queens on a randomized controlled trial examining the mechanisms of change for individuals with alcohol use disorder. This study, funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, looks at the active ingredients of Motivational Interviewing (MI), arguably the best validated and most widely disseminated psychosocial intervention in the formal treatment system for problem drinking and other adverse health behaviors. While MI is thought to work by increasing an individual’s motivation for change, little research supports this hypothesis. This study aims to identify which specific elements of MI and its impact on clients prompts and sustains change.
One great thing about SSW is becoming part of a community with some brilliant, compassionate social workers. I built a network of people that I can still call upon for career advice, emotional support, and resources for my clients.