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Screening and brief intervention (SBI) is a structured set of questions designed to identify individuals at risk for alcohol use problems, followed by a brief discussion between an individual and a service provider, with referral to specialized treatment as needed. Screening asks several questions to determine whether individuals are misusing alcohol—that is, are they drinking too much, too often, or experiencing harm from their drinking. The provider evaluates the answers and then shares the results and their significance with the individual.
Brief interventions are counseling sessions that last 5 to 15 minutes. Their purpose is to increase the person’s awareness of his or her alcohol use and its consequences and then motivate the person to either reduce risky drinking or seek treatment, if needed. The provider works with the person on willingness and readiness to change his or her drinking behavior.
Screening and brief intervention:
• is designed for use by service providers who do not specialize in addiction treatment
• uses motivational approaches based on how ready the person is to change behavior
• gives feedback and suggestions respectfully in the form of useful information, without judgment or accusations
• has been shown by research to be effective in reducing alcohol use and alcohol-related adverse consequences, including injury
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