Date of Defense

4-22-2016

Date of Graduation

4-2016

Department

Human Performance and Health Education

First Advisor

Denise Bowen

Second Advisor

Tiffany Lee-Parker

Third Advisor

Jenna Gehl Jones

Keywords

SBIRT, adolescent substance use, public schools

Abstract

In Kalamazoo County, youth substance use is on the rise. In recent years (2012-2014), alcohol use has nearly doubled in the adolescent population. With the easy accessibility of alcohol in Kalamazoo, alcohol use among adolescents will continue to rise if early intervention protocols are not implemented. Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), could be the model of intervention within Kalamazoo public schools, if implemented correctly. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA), SBIRT is an evidence-based practice used to identify, reduce, and prevent problematic use, abuse, and dependence on alcohol and illicit drugs. Public schools provide opportunities for early intervention, using SBIRT, with at-risk adolescents. The effectiveness of SBIRT in adolescents has been observed through randomized clinical trials in various settings, including public schools. However, there are many challenges to be addressed for successful SBIRT implementation within the Kalamazoo public school system including feasibility, adoptability, and economic sustainability. By training school-based health providers and Communities in Schools site coordinators, SBIRT provides an accessible mode of intervention for at-risk students.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Open Access

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