Alcohol screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence-based approach to identifying and addressing alcohol misuse. SBIRT is a simple, effective, and cost-effective way to help people who are drinking too much.
SBIRT consists of three steps:
- Screening: A brief screening tool is used to identify people who may be drinking too much.
- Brief intervention: If someone is identified as drinking too much, a brief intervention is provided. A brief intervention is a short conversation between a healthcare provider and a patient about their drinking. The goal of a brief intervention is to help the patient reduce their drinking to a safe level.
- Referral to treatment: If the patient is not able to reduce their drinking on their own, they may be referred to treatment. Treatment for alcohol misuse can include individual therapy, group therapy, medication, or a combination of these.
SBIRT can be used in a variety of settings, including primary care, emergency departments, and mental health clinics. SBIRT has been shown to be effective in reducing alcohol misuse in a variety of populations, including adults, adolescents, and pregnant women.
SBIRT is an important tool for identifying and addressing alcohol misuse. SBIRT can help people who are drinking too much to reduce their drinking and to improve their health.
Here are some of the benefits of SBIRT:
- SBIRT can help to identify people who are drinking too much.
- SBIRT can help people who are drinking too much to reduce their drinking.
- SBIRT can help people who are drinking too much to improve their health.
- SBIRT is a simple, effective, and cost-effective way to help people who are drinking too much.
If you are concerned about your drinking, or if you know someone who is drinking too much, talk to your doctor about SBIRT. SBIRT can help you to reduce your drinking and to improve your health.