SBIRT stands for:

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Screening:

Universal screening to assess everyone for level of risk regarding substance use, including tobacco, alcohol, prescription medication and illicit drugs, with validated screening tools.

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Brief Intervention:

Motivational and awareness raising brief intervention for those who screen as at risk substance users. Research shows that brief interventions are most effective among persons with less severe problems: low and moderate risk substance users.

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Referral to Treatment:

Referral to specialty care for those screening as high risk substance users in need of further evaluation and treatment.

SBIRT is a comprehensive, integrated, public health approach to the delivery of early intervention and treatment services for persons with substance use disorders and those persons whose use poses a level of risk.

Primary care centers, hospitals, and many other communities provide excellent opportunities for early intervention with at-risk alcohol and drug users and for intervention for persons struggling with substance use disorders.