Screening
A trained professional uses an appropriate validated tool to identify possible substance-use risk. Examples include AUDIT for alcohol and DAST for drugs in relevant settings. Tool choice depends on age and context. Screening is not diagnosis and should not be used to label or punish someone.
What the evidence can and cannot say
Systematic reviews examine different substances and care settings. Findings about alcohol interventions in emergency departments do not automatically generalize to other substances or outpatient recovery. SBIRT helps organize early conversations and referrals; it should not be presented as a guarantee that brief intervention or referral alone resolves a substance-use disorder.
Brief intervention
The professional shares findings respectfully, asks about the person’s priorities and supports motivation for change. The conversation is collaborative rather than confrontational. It may result in a practical next step and a follow-up plan.
Referral to treatment
When further assessment or care is appropriate, the team helps connect the person with qualified treatment. A warm referral supports the handoff instead of simply providing a number. Follow-up checks whether the connection happened and whether barriers remain.
References & additional reading
- 1.SAMHSA · Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment
- 2.NIDA · Substance-use treatment
- 3.Young et al. · SBIRT brief interventions for nonmedical psychoactive substance use: systematic review
- 4.Barata et al. · SBIRT for alcohol use in emergency departments: systematic review
This guide summarizes general education, not a diagnosis or personalized treatment recommendation. References include research and official guidance; findings may not apply to every individual.