Unhealthy substance use lies on a wide range that extends from occasional mild risky/harmful/hazardous use to severe substance use disorder. Brief intervention (BI) is a technique, used to initiate change for an unhealthy or risky substance use. It can be delivered by a vast array of trained professionals, in opportunistic settings (i.e. in people seeking help not for their substance use, but either its consequences or for completely unrelated physical or psychiatric disorders), and across substances, age and ethno-cultural groups. The six common elements of BIs are summarized by the acronym FRAMES, consisting of Feedback, Responsibility, Advise, Menu for change, Empathy, and enhancing Self-efficacy. BI has also been strategically combined with referral to appropriate treatment services. BI has shown efficacy for reducing substance use and its harmful consequences. The evidence for post-BI improved functionality and quality of life are also emerging.
Keywords: Brief intervention; Motivation; Screening; Substance use.