SBIRT as a Tool for Prevention and Reducing Risky Substance Use Behaviors Among Youths in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Illicit substance use among youths remains a significant public health concern globally and in Nigeria, particularly in urban centres such as Zaria. The increasing prevalence of psychoactive substance use among young people has been associated with adverse outcomes including mental health disorders, academic decline, violence, and social dysfunction. Despite existing control efforts, there remains a gap in the use of structured, evidence-based early intervention strategies for prevention and reduction of risky substance use behaviours. This study examined Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) as a preventive and early intervention approach for reducing risky illicit substance use behaviours among youths. SBIRT is a comprehensive public health model designed to identify individuals engaged in risky substance use, provide brief motivational counselling, and refer severe cases for specialized treatment. The study was anchored on the Transtheoretical Model of Behaviour Change, the Health Belief Model, and Social Cognitive Theory, which collectively explain behavioural change processes, health perceptions, and environmental influences on substance use. The study highlighted that SBIRT is effective in promoting awareness of substance-related risks, enhancing readiness to change, and reducing the frequency and intensity of substance use among youths. It further established that integrating SBIRT into schools, community programmes, and primary healthcare settings can improve early detection and intervention outcomes. However, challenges such as inadequate trained personnel, limited treatment facilities, and weak referral systems may hinder effective implementation in resource-constrained settings. The study concluded that SBIRT is a viable and cost-effective strategy for addressing illicit substance use among youths in Nigeria. It recommended the integration of SBIRT into educational and healthcare systems, capacity building for service providers, and strengthening of referral networks to improve access to care.