Problematic substance use often goes unrecognized in primary care settings, either due to insufficient screening or provider discomfort with how to manage a positive screening. There are a number of brief, simple, and validated screening tools that can provide sufficient information to indicate problematic or “risky” substance use, and this information can inform providers as to whether a simple brief intervention or a more formal referral to treatment is warranted. This module will introduce screening tools for 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.

Derek Blevins, MD | Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University; Division on Substance Use Disorders; New York State Psychiatric Institute

At the conclusion of this activity participants should be able to:

• Screen and assess for substance use disorders (SUD) and co-morbid disorders
• 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 ASAM criteria when referring to treatment
• Integrate screening, assessment, and ASAM criteria for SUD treatment referral

Core Competencies as a result of participating in this activity:   
Interpersonal Skills and Communication
Medical Knowledge
Patient Care 

In order to receive maximum credit, learners must: 

1. Review the materials provided in this module.
2. Earn a minimum cumulative score of 80% on the post-test. 
3. Complete an evaluation to assess satisfaction and plans for individual and/or team practice change.
4. Follow instructions at the end of the course regarding how to retrieve a certificate.* 

*Credit will not be awarded unless all components of the program are completed.  Partial credit will not be awarded.