The Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) model of care has been recognized as an evidence-based approach to universal screening for alcohol and drug misuse (SAMHSA, 2011; National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, n.d.). SBIRT is an effective method to identify

and assist individuals who misuse alcohol or drugs, with either a brief motivation-enhancing encounter, education, or referral to specialty care when needed. SBIRT builds on the screening approach used in healthcare for a range of lifestyle issues (e.g. tobacco use, hypertension, obesity, etc.), and screening for

drug and alcohol use becomes a part of every initial encounter.