Adolescent Screening Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (A-SBIRT)
A-SBIRT is a comprehensive, integrated, public health approach to the delivery of early intervention and treatment services for adolescents with substance use disorders, as well as those who are at risk of developing disorders.
Screening is the first step of the SBIRT process and determines the severity and risk level of the adolescent’s substance use.
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Uses a reliable and valid brief questionnaire (S2BI, CRAFFT).
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Determines whether a brief intervention or referral to treatment is a necessary next step.
A Brief Intervention is a short, structured “conversation” with adolescents that is intended to either prevent, stop, or reduce substance use disorder. An interpersonal interaction whose primary impact is motivational, working to trigger a decision and commitment to change.
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Weighs pros and cons of behavior in light of goals and values.
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Offers feedback and information on the risks associated with use.
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Assesses readiness for change.
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Supports change by helping adolescents develop action plans.
Referral to Treatment facilitates access to specialty care for adolescents showing more significant or severe signs of substance use involvement.
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Requires relationships with local substance use treatment services to provide an immediate link with appropriate levels of care and acceptable options.
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Incorporates a warm hand-off process to increase success rate (before the adolescent changes their mind!).
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Includes exchanges of information between the referral source and the behavioral health provider in order to allow for ongoing follow-up and monitoring of the adolescent.
To request A-SBIRT training, please reach out to your DCF Program Lead for additional information.
To obtain information on adult SBIRT, please check out the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) CT SBIRT Program.
Check out our A-SBIRT resource booklet and related brochures!