The approach to SAMHSA’s Screening,
Brief Intervention, and Referral to
Treatment (SBIRT) Initiative is simple.
Screening. With just a few questions
on a questionnaire or in an interview,
practitioners can identify patients
who have alcohol or substance use problems
and determine how severe those problems
already are.
Brief Intervention. If screening results
indicate moderate risk, individuals
receive brief interventions. The intervention
educates them about their substance
use, alerts them to possible consequences,
and motivates them to change their
behavior.
Brief Treatment. If individuals are
at moderate to high risk, the next
step is brief treatment. Similar to
brief intervention, this emphasizes
motivations to change and client empowerment.
Referral to Treatment. For those whose
screening indicates a severe problem
or dependence, the next step is referral
to substance abuse treatment.
