Screening and Brief Intervention (SBI)

Screening and Brief Intervention (SBI), or Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) are a relatively new method of early intervention in drug and alcohol abuse.  The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has an SBI program administered by the Institute for Research, Education, and Training in Addictions (IRETA).  SBIRT is a SAMHSA program.


SBI is roughly considered to be any attempt by a health care professional, not necessarily a drug counselor, to assist a person recognize their patterns of substance abuse.  The final result may not be abstinence, but rather any decrease to normal levels, or levels which are not resulting in consequences to the person or his immediate circle of contacts (e'g', family problems work related problems etc, as a result of the substance abuse.)  This method of decreased use is sometimes referred to as harm reduction.  The main goal is to reduce the level of substance intake and consequently allow the person to lead a relatively normal life.  A good example of SBI would be an emergency room nurse or physician discussing the benefits of decreased alcohol consumption to a person recently involved in an accident related to their drinking.  The main idea here is the age old "strike while the iron is hot" principle.  When the patient is in the ER and feeling remorseful and ashamed, they are more vulnerable to suggestion and insight to the effects of their substance consumption.  The intervention may end there, or the nurse may refer the patient to a social worker for another 2 or 3 sessions of anywhere from 5 to 60 minutes each.


SBIRT, on the other hand, adds the treatment component.  The intervention is just the beginning and the client is then referred to a drug counselor for a more in-depth assessment and determination of the patients long-term needs regarding formal treatment, education and aftercare.  Now, obviously, the main goal is catching a patient in the early stages and preventing long-term damage.  This is not always possible and many people ignore repeated warnings from not only family members but professionals alike.


The importance of SBI and SBIRT should not be understated.  Many studies indicate they are as effective as long term residential treatment.  The main point is to not stop attempting to intervene in a persons substance abuse.  They are not the only ones who will suffer.  Even innocent bystanders can be affected adversely by a random act under the influence.