Lead: Alcohol use screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment cascade of care in the USA: Variation by alcohol use and socio-demographic characteristics

Alcohol use screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment cascade of care in the USA: Variation by alcohol use and socio-demographic characteristics *Addiction*  Screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence-based intervention and researchers used a large data set to assess utilization of each step in the care cascade unconditional on the previous step. Overall, 16% of individuals reported past-year heavy alcohol use and 11% met criteria for alcohol used disorder (AUD). Among those reporting past-year healthcare utilization, 69% reported being screened, with those ≥50 years old and non-white individuals being less likely to be screened. Overall, 8.4% of individuals received BI, with <4% of those reporting heavy alcohol use receiving BI. Among those meeting criteria for AUD only 7% were referred to treatment, while 8% reported treatment in the last year. Women were less likely to receive BI and referral for treatment. Authors note these data highlight the need to better implement SBIRT addressing gaps and differences in access to care cascade.   Read this issue of the ASAM Weekly Subscribe to the ASAM Weekly Visit ASAM