The Problem Identification and Referral (PIR) strategy calls for identification, education and counseling for those youth who have indulged in age-inappropriate use of tobacco products or alcohol, have indulged in the first use of illicit drugs or are at high-risk for alcohol and other drug use. Activities under this strategy include screening for tendencies toward substance abuse and referral for preventive treatment for curbing such tendencies if indicated. Problem Identification and Referral addresses the following Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) risk factors:
- Individual attitudes towards substance use
- Perceived risk of substance use
Research conducted by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention indicates that incorporating PIR into prevention programs ensures youth and adults who may already be using at the time of the prevention effort will receive the appropriate level of care to meet their needs. Problem identification and referral programs look at the relationship between substance use and a variety of other adult and adolescent problems such as mental health problems, family problems, sexually transmitted diseases, school or employment failures and delinquency. PIR services at Recovery Resources utilize the Lifestyle Risk Reduction model, promoting abstinence and the reduction of high-risk choices.
