Which of the following is an evidence-based approach to reduce substance use in healthcare settings?

• A. Community-wide abstinence campaigns
• B. Screening and Brief Intervention (SBIRT) in healthcare settings
• C. Increasing advertising for substances
• D. Long-term residential treatment only

Answer: (B)

Screening and Brief Intervention conducted in healthcare settings is effective because it unfolds within routine care to identify patients who are using substances at risky levels and then engages them in a short, targeted conversation that motivates change. Screening flags individuals who could benefit from support; a brief intervention uses techniques like motivational interviewing to raise awareness of risks, elicit commitment to change, and set practical next steps. For those needing more help, referrals to treatment are made, creating a stepped-care approach. This combination has consistently shown reductions in substance use and related health harms, and it is cost-effective and adaptable to various clinical environments, such as primary care and emergency departments. In contrast, broad community abstinence campaigns, increasing advertising for substances, or relying solely on long-term residential treatment do not offer the same proven, scalable impact within the healthcare setting.