As Defined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration, Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is a comprehensive, integrated, public health approach to the delivery of early intervention and treatment services for persons with substance use disorders, as well as those who are at risk of developing these disorders.

• Screening: quickly assesses for the presence of risky substance use, follows positive screens with further assessment of problem use, and identifies the appropriate level of treatment.
• Brief intervention: focuses on increasing the insight and awareness regarding substance use and motivation towards behavioral changes.
• Referral to treatment provides those identified as needing more extensive treatment with access to specialty care.