SBIRT Colorado FAQs-screening-brief intervention-brief therapy-referral to treatment

FAQs about SBIRT and SBIRT Colorado

What is the SBIRT process? Download SBIRT Flow Chart	Prescreen: Healthcare professionals conduct universal screening of patients for alcohol and other drug use. Screen: For those with a positive prescreen, further screening is conducted by a healthcare professional with standardized screening tools such as the ASSIST, AUDIT, DAST or CRAFFT. Brief Intervention: If a patient screens positive, a brief intervention, is conducted using Motivational Interviewing techniques to establish an open and trusted dialogue that encourages change. Brief Therapy: Brief therapy consists of several sessions and includes motivational interviewing and self-determination theory principles. Referral to Treatment: A patient may be referred to a more intensive or specialized treatment program during the initial screening, after the brief intervention, or at the completion of the brief treatment. A referral coordinator facilitates placing the patient in the right level and type of treatment option.
What is SBIRT Colorado's approach to substance abuse?	SBIRT Colorado treats alcohol and drug use like the preventable healthcare issue it is. Screening, brief interventions and brief therapy informs people about health consequences related to substance use and reinforces responsible health behaviors. This approach has proven to be successful changing behavior to improve health and quality of life.
Who does SBIRT Colorado help?	SBIRT Colorado helps all Coloradans who care about their health. People who use alcohol and other drugs can benefit from prevention screenings. SBIRT Colorado health educators currently provide the screenings at 12 clinics and hospitals in nine counties: Arapahoe, Denver, Eagle, El Paso, Gunnison, Larimer, Mesa, Prowers, Summit and Weld. Making SBIRT a billable activity for Medicaid and private insurers is critical to making sure all Coloradans can benefit.
Why is SBIRT important?	SBIRT Colorado considers the health consequences people experience due to substance abuse use and offers people the opportunity to improve their overall health. Currently, treatment resources address only dependent users. SBIRT focuses on preventing individuals from ever becoming addicted For every $100 spent on substance abuse problems in Colorado, only $0.06 is spent on treatment or prevention. That is less than two percent of the average amount spent on abuse problems in other states. Screenings and brief interventions lead to changed behaviors that reduce overall healthcare costs, criminal behavior, disability and even death.

Fact Sheet


SBIRT Colorado funding SBIRT Colorado	SAMHSA awarded a $2.8 million annual grant to Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. to implement three key objectives for SBIRT Colorado: Expand the continuum of care to include universal screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment in healthcare settings. Use universal screening to create awareness about the number one preventable health issue---substance abuse. Sustain the SBIRT practice in healthcare facilities and clinics statewide beyond the life of the grant. An standard of practice that results in better healthcare. A proven approach that results in a reduction of substance use and healthier people. A small investment of time and people with big returns of improved health for Coloradans. Implemented in healthcare facilities and clinics statewide. Targets the non-dependent alcohol and other drug user. Health educators are English/Spanish bilingual from the local community. Follow-up phone interviews may be conducted by the health educators and include support and education, relapse prevention strategies, resources and help in accessing services. The Colorado Clinical Guidelines Collaborative has developed SBIRT guidelines for healthcare providers in the state.

The difference SBIRT can make in Colorado	One interaction can make a difference, influencing a person's substance use and improving his or her overall health. A measurable reduction in emergency and inpatient services related to alcohol and other drug use, resulting in cost savings for the healthcare system. Expansion of the continuum of care, focusing on prevention before alcohol and other drug use escalates to addiction.