WHAT IS SBIRT—SCREENING, BRIEF INTERVENTION AND REFERRAL TO TREATMENT?
A comprehensive, integrated, public health approach based on universal screenings, SBIRT creates awareness about America's number one preventable health issue---substance use.
• Standardized screenings serve as a powerful education tool about the health consequences of substance use
• Alcohol and other drug use can affect a person’s health and general well-being, and research shows SBIRT can motivate people to change their behavior
• Proven to reduce the number of people who move from substance use to abuse and addiction
• The benefits of the practice extend well beyond the user—to family, employers, law enforcement and the healthcare industry
WHY SBIRT IS A CRITICAL PREVENTION STRATEGY?
Risky use of alcohol and other drugs contributes to more than 70 diseases and leads to expensive, long-term health problems. Individuals who exceed the recommended guidelines for alcohol consumption face increased health risks even if they are not dependent on alcohol: risk increases for depression, high blood pressure, anemia, heart failure, liver damage, ulcers, inflammation of the pancreas and some types of cancer.
Universal screening targets the large population of risky to harmful users before they become dependent. SBIRT provides the tools, counseling and coaching that healthcare providers and patients need to understand the health consequences of substance abuse.
• Risky users make up a much greater portion of the population than those who are alcohol dependent and cause more damage and costs
• U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening and brief interventions for alcohol and tobacco use
• Similar to preventive screenings for chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension
• Covered by insurers with no deductible or co-pays, and with no maximums allowed as defined in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
