Which single intervention is most appropriate for the nurse practitioner to consider including in the plan of care for a patient who is struggling with opioid and marijuana dependencies?

• A. Buprenorphine
• B. Naltrexone
• C. Motivational Interviewing
• D. Family Psychotherapy

Answer: (C)

Engaging the patient through motivational interviewing helps address ambivalence and activate readiness to change, which is foundational when treating opioid and cannabis use concerns. This patient-centered, collaborative conversation invites the patient to voice their own reasons for changing, explore concerns, and build intrinsic motivation, making it more likely they’ll enter and stay in treatment.

Motivational interviewing is the best single intervention to include in a plan because it can be delivered in brief sessions, requires no medications, and sets the stage for any subsequent care—whether that involves pharmacologic options, behavioral therapies, or support services. By reducing resistance and increasing commitment to change, it enhances engagement with the overall treatment plan, which is especially important when multiple substances are involved and when the appropriate pharmacotherapy may depend on the patient’s readiness and preferences.

Pharmacotherapies like buprenorphine or naltrexone play important roles for opioid use disorder, but they require medical evaluation and ongoing management. For marijuana dependence, pharmacologic options are limited, so starting with a strong counseling-based engagement strategy is particularly valuable. Family involvement can support change, but motivational interviewing remains the most versatile, patient-centered first step to foster readiness across substances and guide the overall plan.