Integrating Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention into HIV Care

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Investigator: Judith Hahn, PhD, MA
Sponsor: DOD Naval Health Research Center

Location(s): United States

Description

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is an evidenced-based practice used to identify, reduce, and prevent problematic use, abuse, and dependence on alcohol and drugs1, 2. Typically, this practice is conducted in medical settings, including community health centers, and has proved successful in hospitals, specialty medical practices such as HIV/STD clinics, emergency departments, and workplace wellness programs such as Employee Assistance Programs. SBIRT can be easily used in primary care settings and enables healthcare professionals to systematically screen and assist people who may not be seeking help for a substance use problem, but whose drinking or drug use may cause or complicate their ability to successfully handle health, work, or family issues. 
 
Given SBIRT’s demonstrated cost and health savings, federal agencies such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Veterans Administration, Department of Defense and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, as well as managed care providers and major medical associations, have recommended SBIRT’s routine use.