Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)

What is SBIRT? 

SBIRT stands for Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment. The primary goal of SBIRT is to identify and effectively intervene with those who are at moderate or high risk for psychosocial or health care problems related to their substance use. SBIRT Plus (+) addresses the special needs and characteristics of older adults. In addition, it helps improve the understanding of alcohol and drug use later in life. 

Why is it important? 

Alcohol use in late life is largely ignored, even though health consequences are high. "Risky" use of alcohol and misuse of medication, along with illicit drug use in Baby Boomers, is a growing concern. Making changes now can help ease suffering and prepare for the future. 

Estimated time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Partnerships in Care

SBIRT+ Training

This section offers a three-part video series covering why screening is important and how to conduct a screening using the AUDIT tool. 

Part 1: Screening

Part 2: Introduction to Brief Intervention

Part 3: Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment

GeriaCasts

Motivational Interviewing Training

This section includes four videos presenting Motivational Interviewing as an evidence-based strategy used by providers to help clients recognize their own ambivalence to change and begin the process of change. 

Part 1: The Basics

Part 2: The Steps

Part 3: Enhancing Motivation to Change Strategies

Part 4: Motivational Interviewing and Brief Intervention