Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment

AKA: SBIRT

A public health model that combines screening, a short counseling conversation, and connecting people to treatment when needed.

In the context of addiction treatment:
SBIRT is common in ERs, clinics, and community health settings to catch risky use early.

What to know:

  • SBIRT is often just 5–15 minutes but can change the course of someone’s use.

  • It’s meant for both risky use and early-stage disorders, not only severe addiction.

Example:
After an alcohol-related ER visit, a nurse does SBIRT, asks about drinking patterns, offers feedback, and connects the patient to an outpatient program.

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