Screening and Brief Intervention Practice Model for Social Workers in Non-Substance-Abuse Practice Settings

The social costs of substance abuse problems in the United States are staggering. Although social work has a long history of working in the substance abuse field, the profession does not pay similar attention to potential substance abuse problems in non-substance-abuse practice areas despite the high prevalence of substance abuse in these settings. A screening and brief intervention practice model that emphasizes a feasible and practical framework for social workers to screen for potential substance abuse problems in non-substance-abuse practice settings and make appropriate brief interventions is provided. Implications for social work educators, administrators, and practitioners are discussed.