Screening, Brief, Intervention, and Referral to Treatment-SBIRT
With the increase in substance use in today’s society, it is more important than ever to teach our young adolescents about the risks associated with substance use and assist those in need of help.
What is SBIRT?
SBIRT is an evidence based, integrated, and comprehensive public health approach to the delivery of early identification, intervention, and referral to treatment for individuals with substance use disorders and those at risk of developing such disorders.
Recent legislation has mandated that MA schools provide the SBIRT screening for one grade at the high school level. During this school year, we will screen all grade 9 students. Our school nurse, adjustment counselors, Dean of Students, and Principal have been trained by the MA Depart. of Public Health and the MA Dept. of Education.
Benefits of SBIRT ScreeningÂ
- Improved physical and mental health
- Builds a plan for change
- Increased motivation
- Better family, friend, and school relationships
- Provides feedback
- Reduced health care costs
- Decreases severity of drug and alcohol use
A brief intervention refers to a brief motivational and awareness-raising intervention given to risky or problematic substance users.
Please click on the links below for more information.