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.
