Question

SBIRT for Heroin use/addiction

Answer 1

SBIRT stands for screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment.

It is an evidence-based practice used in healthcare settings to identify, reduce, and prevent problematic use of alcohol and illicit drugs.

Screening is a procedure to evaluate the probability of a person having a substance use disorder or being at risk for negative consequences due to use of alcohol/drugs. The screening is universal, 2-3 questions to identify unhealthy substance use in the past year, the assessment includes additional questions to determine the severity & consequences of use.

The brief intervention involves any time-limited effort to provide: info or advice, increase motivation to avoid substance use, or teach behaviour change skills to reduce substance use and chances of negative consequences. There is a brief conversation (5-15 mins) to raise awareness of risks and build motivation to change.

When screening identifies a person already having substance-related health problems or SUD needing a formal diagnosis and possible treatment referral. Referral process facilitates access to care (including brief treatment) beyond Brief intervention. In referral to treatment, there is a referral for those with more serious problems when appropriate.