SBIRT at the University of Iowa

SBIRT-TIPS (the program at the University of Iowa College of Nursing) is funded by a grant from the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA; 1H79TI025939-01), 9/30/2015 - 9/29/2018. The SBIRT program has been developed through collaboration between the University of Iowa College of Nursing, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, SBIRT Iowa of the Iowa Department of Public Health, and the Iowa Consortium for Substance Abuse Research and Evaluation.

What is SBIRT?

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is an early‑intervention approach for identifying, reducing, and preventing problematic drug and alcohol use. SBIRT can be practiced in any health care setting, but practitioners need to be trained, learn about its benefits, and receive guidelines for how to implement SBIRT in their own practice. SBIRT includes the following steps:

Screening

Two questions are asked annually. If positive, brief rating scales are used: a 10-item alcohol scale (AUDIT), 10-item drug scale (DAST-10), or 6-item combined scale for youth (CRAFFT). Scale scores guide the next steps: (a) no further intervention, (b) Brief Intervention, or (c) Referral to Treatment.

Brief Intervention

A short (5- to 15-minute), structured discussion with individuals engaged in risky substance use occurs. The focus is on increasing insights and awareness of their substance use and its consequences, and motivating them toward behavioral change. Principles of Motivational Interviewing guide the discussion.

Referral to Treatment

Based on the person’s needs (scale score) and acceptance of treatment, referral to treatment may be necessary. It may include Brief Treatment that involves a more intensive outpatient version of Brief Intervention that is provided by substance use specialists, or more extensive specialty treatment. The goal is to assure access to appropriate levels of care for all who are screened.

What is the National Treatment locator?

Behavioral Health Treatment Locator

The National Treatment locator (or Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator) can be used to find treatment facilities in the United States or U.S. Territories for substance abuse/addiction and/or mental health problems. Click https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/ to access the locator.

SBIRT-TIPS Talking Points