SBIRT is a public health approach to delivering early intervention to anyone who uses alcohol and/or drugs in unhealthy ways.
Screening - Short, well-tested questionnaire identifies risk (such as the ASSIST, the CRAFFT, the AUDIT, the DAST, etc.)
Brief Intervention - Short, structured conversations that feature feedback and options for change
Referral - For in-depth assessment and/or diagnosis and/or treatment, if needed
Treatment - Between 1% and 10% may need some level of treatment - depending on the health care setting.
Research shows that health care providers can engage patients in non-judgmental conversations (brief interventions) about their substance use and can help them decide whether they should reduce their use to improve their long-term health.
Risky use can lead to serious harm. Beyond injuries and illnesses like HIV, it can complicate existing chronic illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases or depression. It can also cause ulcers, sleep and memory problems, and anxiety. Alcohol affects most organ systems, and many drugs affect the nervous system, and heart rates
Screening can also indicate when health care providers should recommend assessment and treatment services for those whose screening scores indicate a problem.
Publications and other SBIRT resources
SBIRT patient materials are available for distribution in healthcare settings through the Massachusetts Health Promotion Clearinghouse.
Brief Treatment Manual
Modules use evidence-based approaches - motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques - to help clients build skills to positively change unhealthy behaviors and maintain those changes. The MASBIRT project, which developed this manual, found this approach to be helpful for those who might not meet dependence criteria but need more than brief conversations and for people who do not want to go to traditional treatment, but might be willing to speak with someone for a short period of time.