Today, there are over 23 million Americans who meet the medical definition of abuse or addiction to drugs and alcohol. Over 95% of those Americans in need of treatment but who did not receive it are unaware that they need help and have not sought helped from a health care professional. (NSDUH 2007)

The majority of Americans see a health care provider at least once a year. By encouraging health care professionals to identify at-risk populations and intervene early, we can significantly reduce the abuse of alcohol and addiction to drugs among Americans. After screening for drug using behavior, medical professionals can provide brief substance abuse intervention, if necessary. These research-based intervention dialogs help explain to patients the consequences of drug use and provides them with a solid strategy to reduce or eliminate substance use.

Existing substance abuse intervention programs already have a record of success with regard to reducing substance abuse and other health problems associated with drug use.

Early identification and intervention for substance abuse is also very cost-effective.