SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral for Treatment) is an integrated public health evidence-based practice (EBP) aimed at fostering healthier communities. Our program focuses on universal screening and assessing the risk of substance use disorders, addressing moderate-to-high substance use, and intervening early to mitigate potential harm.
SBIRT is a proactive approach to identifying and addressing substance use issues before they escalate. Our program is characterized by its brevity, comprehensiveness, and utilization of universal screening techniques. Through the application of Motivational Interviewing, we engage clients in constructive conversations about their substance use behaviors, guiding them toward healthier choices.
SBIRT is not only effective but also cost-efficient. By intervening early, we reduce the severity of drug and alcohol use, preventing the escalation of substance-related problems. This not only improves individual well-being but also alleviates the burden on healthcare systems, resulting in substantial cost savings for everyone involved.
Who should use SBIRT?
SBIRT is suitable for a wide range of professionals and settings, including
- Counselors
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Pastors, Clergy
- Public Health Workers
- Social Workers
- Psychologists
- Other Service Providers
By empowering diverse professionals, we extend the reach of early intervention efforts, ensuring that individuals receive the support they need, regardless of where they seek help.
From primary care clinics to community organizations and educational institutions to workplaces, SBIRT services can be implemented across a variety of settings. By adapting to the unique needs of each environment, SBIRT maximizes its impact, reaching individuals where they are most receptive to intervention.
Learn more about SBIRT and discover helpful screening tools, resources, and reimbursement codes through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Upcoming SBIRT Trainings
Our latest training was a Module 2 course in January 2024. Check back soon for more upcoming opportunities.
For questions or additional information about training for both instructors and participants, please email Kayla Warren at warrenka@appstate.edu.
Additional Training Resources
Several training curriculums and resources exist for implementing SBIRT including clinical delivery, operational structure and system sustainability.
- BIG SBIRT Initiative - webinar links for Addiction, EA, and Interdisciplinary professionals
- Health System-wide Sustainable Peer Program Best Practice - Mark Lanyon and Peter Booras describe how Project Engage began as a peer program for the emergency department at Christiana Care in Delaware and evolved into a financially sustainable hospital system-funded program with improved outcomes through long-term recovery.
- Treatment Referral in an Opioid Crisis Opportunities to Engage - description of two successful state models that support engagement and referral to treatment for individuals with substance use disorders who present in the ER or in primary care settings.
- Institute for Research, Education & Training in Addictions (IRETA) works with professionals who want to know more about substance use disorders by providing online resources, training, tools and newsletters.
- The Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) is a nationwide, multidisciplinary resource for professionals in the addiction treatment and recovery services field. Established in 1993 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
- The Substance Use in Adults and Adolescents: Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) free online SBIRT course through Medscape addresses the basic principles of SBIRT as well as coding and reimbursement for the implementation of SBIRT in practice.*
* A free membership to Medscape is required to view the training. - The National Council for Behavioral Health offers several SBIRT training opportunities including onsite training, implementation consulting, and fidelity coaching.
Screening Tools
- Adolescent Screening Card (pdf, 462 KB)
- Adult Screening Card (pdf, 531 KB)
- AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test) - Given to patients ages 18 and older when positive on brief alcohol screening questions
- DAST (Drug Abuse Screening Test) - Given to patients ages 18 and older when positive on the brief drug screening questions.
- CRAFFT - Screening tool for adolescents aged 12-21
- SBIRT Mobile App
Field Instructors
- Disclosure Statement (docx, 57 KB)
- Proficiency Checklist (pdf, 340 KB)