Implementing a Statewide Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Service in Rural Health Settings: New Mexico SBIRT

ABSTRACT

This is a report on the New Mexico Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) project conducted over 5 years as part of a national initiative launched by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration with the aim of increasing integration of substance use services and medical care. Throughout the state, 53,238 adults were screened for alcohol and/or drug use problems in ambulatory settings, with 12.2% screening positive. Baseline substance use behaviors among 6,360 participants eligible for brief intervention, brief treatment, or referral for treatment are examined and the process of implementation and challenges for sustainability are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Rural primary care
• SBIRT
• screening
• brief intervention
• referral

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the National Institutes on Drug Abuse (grant number: 1R01DA026003; Principal Investigator: Robert P. Schwartz, MD) and SAMHSA (grant number: TI 15958).