Integrating screening for alcohol use, brief
interventions and referral to treatment (SBIRT) into
primary health care settings has been proven effective
in reducing alcohol consumption and harm
among adults. In the U.S., SBIRT is most widely
used among adolescents (ages 12–17) in an
emergency-room setting. Depending on the health
care environment and resources available, SBIRT
can be effective in reducing alcohol use among
youth if programs are youth-friendly and easily
accessible.21 In addition, a holistic approach that
addresses alcohol abuse and dependence along
with other lifestyle issues, including sexual and
reproductive health, can improve outcomes across
the broad spectrum of youth health and wellbeing.
6 As the number and scope of multi-issue
prevention programs grow, more effort to evaluate
the local effectiveness of a specific approach will
be needed