Dr TSE Ka Wo, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Social Sciences at HKCT Institute of Higher Education, has successfully secured a grant of HK$1.347 million from the Narcotics Division, Security Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government under the 2025 Beat Drugs Fund. The funding will support an 18-month project titled “Path to Recovery: Transformation and Growth through Motivational Interviewing with Family and Peer Support.”
This project comprises three major components, aiming to utilize Motivational Interviewing (MI) combined with family and peer support to help participants reduce or quit drug use, enhance motivation for recovery, strengthen family support systems, and rebuild a healthy and hopeful life.
Professional System Training: Empowering Frontline Professionals and Peers
Led by Dr TSE Ka Wo, the first internationally certified MI trainer in China, the project will provide systematic MI training for frontline social workers and peer counselors. Through professional training, they will learn empathetic and effective communication strategies to evoke intrinsic motivation for change among service users.
Collective MI Research: Harnessing Family Strength
Using a randomized controlled trial design, this study will integrate family support into individual MI sessions to validate the effectiveness of Collective Motivational Interviewing in enhancing drug users’ motivation to quit. It also aims to engage family members and significant others in a positive way, boosting confidence and determination for recovery.
Relapse Prevention Research: Consolidating Recovery Outcomes
This randomized controlled study focuses on individuals who have completed drug treatment. Through MI-based peer interventions, participants will be supported in managing relapse risk situations, strengthening coping strategies, consolidating recovery outcomes, and maintaining a drug-free lifestyle.
In addition to the research team at the HKCT Institute of Higher Education, collaboration with social welfare organizations is essential. Partners include the Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service, Hong Kong Children & Youth Services, Caritas Lok Heep Club, and a total of six drug counseling and rehabilitation service centers. Together, the institute and these organizations aim to achieve innovation and evidence-based breakthroughs in drug rehabilitation interventions, ensuring research outcomes are effectively implemented to benefit individuals, families, and communities in need. The institute will also provide quality venues and equipment to support professional training for 33 social workers, 5 nurses, and 12 peer counselors.
For years, HKCT has been committed to enhancing the research capabilities of its teaching staff and translating research findings into practical applications to address social challenges, contributing to policy development and social progress.
