Evidence
Studies show that SBIRT is a proven approach to identifying and providing early intervention for individuals at risk for developing substance use disorders.
SBIRT has been credited with reducing or averting:
- serious medical illnesses
- injury
- costs associated with alcohol use
- substance use disorders
SBIRT reduces alcohol and drug misuse
The US Preventive Services Task Force (2009) found SBIRT effectively reduced heavy drinking episodes in adults and resulted in:
- reduced weekly alcohol consumption
- 12% fewer adults reported heavy drinking episodes, and
- 11% of adults reported drinking less than the recommended limits over a 12 month period.
A 2009 article in the Journal of Drug and Alcohol Dependence found a 68% reduction in illicit drug use over a six-month period among individuals who had received SBIRT services.
SBIRT is cost-effective
According to SAMHSA:
- Multiple studies have shown that investing in SBIRT can result in healthcare cost savings that range from $3.81 to $5.60 for every $1.00 spent.
- People who received screening and brief intervention experienced fewer:
