Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is a model that encourages mental health and substance use screenings as a routine preventive service in healthcare. Background Screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment is an evidence-based, public health approach aimed at delivering early intervention and treatment services for individuals at risk of developing substance use disorders (SUDs) and those who have already developed these disorders. "SBIRT is recognized to include the use of validated screening tools, assessing for substance use risk and problems, sharing expert health promotion and disease prevention advice, and conducting interventions that encourage substance use reduction and/or referral to treatment”, says the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in their policy statement for SBIRT and adolescents. The SBIRT model was developed by the Institute of Medicine as a result of a recommendation that encouraged community-based screening for health risk behaviours, including substance use. Unhealthy and unsafe alcohol and drug use are major preventable public health problems resulting in 3 million deaths every year worldwide, as reported by WHO. Research shows SBIRT to be most effective with patients with unhealthy alcohol or drug use who do not have a substance use disorder; therefore, the primary goal of SBIRT is intended to reduce the harms and societal costs associated with the risky use of such substances before the problem elevates to a disorder. Three major components As explained by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), SBIRT consists of three major components: Screening: A healthcare professional assesses a patient for risky substance use behaviours using standardized screening tools in any healthcare and school-based healthcare setting. Brief Intervention: A healthcare professional engages a patient showing risky substance use behaviours in a short conversation, providing feedback and advice. Referral to treatment: A healthcare professional provides a referral to brief therapy or additional treatment to patients who screen in need of additional services Screening Screening in primary care settings is recommended by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force for alcohol misuse accompanied with brief behavioral counseling interventions for those engaged in risky or hazardous drinking to reduce alcohol misuse. Screening using formal screening tools or questions can quickly assess the severity of substance use, though importantly, this procedure is distinct from simply asking whether someone drinks alcohol or uses drugs. Individuals at certain levels of risk may receive tailored feedback on risky behavior, which can greatly influence patient behavior. Screening large