SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention & Referral to Treatment) is a national prevention initiative in healthcare to identify patients who are using alcohol and other drugs at risky levels and to intervene before continue misuse becomes substance dependence. SBIRT has been found to be effective in reducing drinking and substance use problems (Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2009).
- Screening: Identification of risk of alcohol or other drug use and abuse.
- Brief Intervention/Treatment: Motivational strategies to assist patients in making healthy choices around their substance use. Some medical settings also offer the more in-depth Brief Treatment.
- Referral to Treatment: Linkages to treatment are a crucial component for assessing the extent and needs of patients affected by substance use and abuse.
IHR has been a state-wide and national leader in training medical and early childhood professionals on screening pregnant women for substance use and, more importantly, what to do with positive answers, and where to send women for further substance use assessment. As a result of this work (see IHR 5 P’S) we have expanded the scope of our work to include screening women of childbearing age, pregnant women, and adolescent females and males in primary care settings. An integrated Behavioral Health Screening Tool was developed that incorporates the gender-specific 5 P’S plus Quantity/Frequency, tobacco use, emotional health, and violence. The CRAFFT screening tool, designed by John Knight et al. of Children’s Hospital in Boston, is utilized for adolescents. IHR staff provides training and technical assistance to all sites.
SBIRT Initiatives in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health/Bureaus of Substance Abuse Services:
- 32 Community Health Centers (Women of Reproductive Age and Adolescents)
- 35 School-Based Health Centers (Adolescents)
- Batterers’ Intervention Groups
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Links:
- 5 P’S Rationale
- ASAP Curriculum
- Training and Technical Assistance