SBIRT: Universal screening for substance use
A comprehensive, integrated, public health approach based on universal screenings, SBIRT creates awareness about how substance use and health are connected.
-Standardized screenings serve as a powerful education tool about the health consequences of substance use
-Proven to motivate people to change their behavior
-Proven to reduce the number of people who move from substance use to abuse and addiction
SBIRT is a effective prevention strategy
Risky substance use contributes to more than 70 medical conditions and leads to expensive, long-term health problems. Individuals who exceed the recommended guidelines for alcohol consumption face increased health risks: 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 non-dependent users. Risky users make up a much greater portion of the population than those who are dependent
-SBIRT provides the tools, counseling and coaching that healthcare providers and patients need to understand the health consequences of substance use.
-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
WHY SBIRT? (PDF) The benefits of SBIRT as a standard of care.
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
