Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral and Treatment (SBIRT) programs across the U.S. inked a total of $54.6 million in cooperative agreements with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The five-year grants will support screenings and brief interventions for addiction in a variety of settings.

The four new deals were made with the states of Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin; past agreements aimed at expanding SBIRT have been made with states and educational institutions.

"Screening and intervention for alcohol and drug use problems for people in general health settings can be and should be as routine as screening for heart disease and diabetes," said Assistant Surgeon General Eric Broderick, DDS, MPH, acting deputy administrator of SAMHSA.

"The SBIRT program helps reduce the risk for drug and alcohol abuse through brief interventions and acts as a doorway to specialized care for those who need it. Early detection and referral can help promote positive behavior change early on before the problem gets worse."