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Screening & Brief Intervention Fact Sheet

NCJ Number
220400
Date Published
October 2007
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This paper provides a brief overview of the demonstration program, “Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral and Treatment” (SBIRT); an innovative effort to help diagnose and treat drug abuse.
Abstract
In an attempt to improve the healthcare system to reduce drug addiction, the Federal Government established the “Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral and Treatment” (SBIRT) program, which began screening and providing brief interventions in hospitals, primary care settings, colleges and one tribal council. Today, SBIRT programs have been launched in 17 States. As of January 2007, more than 460,000 patients have been screened as part of the SBIRT demonstration program. Significant declines in substance abuse after the brief intervention were seen after a 6-month follow-up review of patients. Substance abuse is one of the Nation’s most significant public health challenges. In an attempt to reduce the misery and addiction caused by substance abuse in the United States, the Federal Government launched an innovative effort which is intended to use the Nation’s healthcare system and detect drug use early to save lives--the SBIRT program.