Module Description: Risky substance use and substance use disorders may often go unrecognized in primary care settings, either due to insufficient screening or provider discomfort with how to manage a positive screening. There are several brief, simple, validated screening tools that can provide information to indicate risky substance use or the possible presence of a substance use disorder. This information can inform providers as to whether a simple brief intervention or a referral to treatment is warranted. This module will: introduce screening tools related to drug and alcohol use; review more detailed substance use, medical, and psychiatric assessment considerations; demonstrate effective strategies for brief interventions; and discuss considerations for treatment referrals. 

Educational Objectives:

• Screen and assess for substance use disorders (SUD) and co-morbid disorders
  • Use brief and extended screening tools
  • Evaluate physical health as related to SUD
  • Evaluate mental health as related to SUD

• Utilize Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) strategies and principles
• Utilize motivational interviewing strategies
• Describe continuum of care and models of SUD treatment
• Apply good clinical judgment and/or American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria when referring to treatment
• Integrate screening, assessment, and ASAM criteria for SUD treatment referrals.