Screening for at-risk substance use involves asking carefully constructed questions to determine the nature and extent of a person's substance use. Screening determines level of risk and the next step in the SBIRT process.

Universal screening is the process of asking all persons about their substance use on a regularly scheduled basis.

• Saves time because it quickly determines which patients require further assessment
• Detects current health problems related to at-risk substance use at an early stage
• Provides opportunity to intervene and educate early about at-risk substance use
• De-stigmatizes talking about substance use

• Screening Is a process for determining potential problems.
• Assessment is an in-depth process for determining a diagnosis and informing specific treatment recommendations.