SBIRT is a practice that uses a preventive public health approach to identify and intervene with persons whose pattern of substance use puts them at risk for or are experiencing substance-related health problems. SBIRT also identifies essential elements of effective referrals to specialty care for persons with a high potential for substance use disorders.
Because many people do not meet the criteria of alcohol or substance use disorder and are potentially impacting their health and wellness, SBIRT uses a culturally appropriate and recovery-oriented framework to address a person’s risky behavior and as a model, can be integrated into health care and behavioral health settings. This course will review validated instruments to screen for substance use, how to provide a brief intervention, and essential components of successful facilitation of referrals to specialized care.
