SBIRT stands for Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment. It’s a public health approach used in medical, mental health, and community settings to identify and help people with risky or harmful substance use before it develops into a more serious disorder.
Here’s the breakdown:
1. Screening
- Purpose: To quickly assess whether a person is at risk for substance use problems.
- Method: Standardized questionnaires or short conversations (e.g., AUDIT, DAST, CRAFFT).
- Focus: Alcohol, drug use, sometimes other risky health behaviors.
- Goal: Identify individuals who may benefit from early intervention.
2. Brief Intervention
- Purpose: To increase awareness of substance use risks and motivate change.
- Method: A short, structured conversation (often 5–15 minutes) using motivational interviewing techniques.
- Focus: Providing feedback, exploring ambivalence, and helping the person consider healthier choices.
- Goal: Encourage reduction or cessation of risky use.
3. Referral to Treatment
- Purpose: For individuals whose screening indicates a more severe substance use disorder.
- Method: Connecting them with specialized treatment providers (inpatient, outpatient, counseling, recovery programs).
- Goal: Ensure those needing intensive support receive it quickly.
Why SBIRT is valuable
- Early detection prevents escalation.
- Cost-effective and reduces strain on healthcare and justice systems.
- Can be integrated into primary care, ERs, schools, mental health clinics, and community programs.
- Helps normalize conversations about substance use and reduces stigma.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 