RTI International - News Release - 9.30.2009
RTI International to Evaluate Comprehensive Substance Abuse Intervention Program for SAMHSA
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RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.—RTI International will study the effectiveness of a federally supported program designed to better identify and treat people at risk of alcohol and drug dependence as part of a new contract for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
The multi-year, $9 million project will evaluate the Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral and Treatment (SBIRT) program. The program is a comprehensive approach to identifying and treating substance abuse problems, including alcohol and drug users who do not meet the clinical definition of dependence but who nevertheless are at-risk of suffering serious consequences and developing an addiction.
"Substance abuse disorders are widely recognized as serious and costly societal problems affecting an estimated 22 million people," said Jeremy Bray, Ph.D., an RTI Fellow in health economics and the project's director. "Just as significant are the estimated 144 million people who use drugs or alcohol but who do not meet the clinical guidelines for either abuse or dependence. These people cost society through increased medical care use, increased rates of accident and injury and lost work productivity."
The SBIRT program systematically screens and provides appropriate treatment to all individuals presenting for care in a variety of medical settings. Evidence suggests that SBIRT is effective in decreasing alcohol use, has clear potential to reduce illicit drug use, and is one of the most cost-beneficial prevention services.
As part of the contract, RTI will work with two partners, the University of Connecticut Health Center and JBS International, to assess the effects of SBIRT on patient outcomes, clinic site practices and treatment systems. This information will allow officials to determine how well the program has met its objectives.
RTI researchers and its partners will assess the impact of SBIRT on the existing treatment system and measure the degree to which it meets the needs of individuals at all points along the substance use continuum. As with the first evaluation, data will come from a number of clinical sites in several different states.