In many parts of the U.S. adolescent substance abuse treatment is scarce. Several studies have shown that brief interventions increase the likelihood of patients' completion of referrals to alcohol counseling or treatment. Other studies have shown a direct effect of brief interventions on patients' alcohol consumption. Although brief interventions have been widely recommended for adolescents, fewer studies have been conducted in this age group. If the current study confirms the effectiveness of the Motivational Enhancement Therapy approach, this will add another outpatient treatment option for adolescent patients with drug problems.