NACDS Foundation study: Pharmacies are effective, yet underused for addressing substance use disorders

The study assessed the feasibility of implementing SBIRT in 17 pharmacies in an urban county.

3/21/2025

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation has published a study that shows pharmacies can be effective healthcare settings for identifying, educating and supporting linkage to treatment for people at-risk of opioid and other substance use disorders, particularly in medically underserved and under-researched communities.

Published in Public Health Reports, the study – “Project Lifeline–II: Feasibility of Implementing Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania” – assessed the feasibility of implementing SBIRT in 17 pharmacies in an urban county (Allegheny County) with a specific focus on engagement, reach and equity across the continuum of pharmacy screening and care. SBIRTs are intended to identify individuals with elevated risk for substance abuse or SUDs and to connect them with appropriate resources and supports.

The NACDS Foundation noted that according to the CDC, “in 2022, more than one in six Americans aged 12 or older reported experiencing a SUD. With effective treatment, recovery is possible for everyone.” The study, funded by the NACDS Foundation and led by researchers from University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, RTI International and UPMC Health Plan, resulted in findings that suggest that implementing SBIRT in a pharmacy setting may be an effective means of expanding treatment and recovery outreach efforts. A previous Project Lifeline study, including one with eight pharmacies in Blair County, Pa., suggested high participation rates in the screenings in rural communities. This latest study indicates similar opportunities for pharmacies in urban communities.

“Improving the access and health outcomes for people who are at-risk and have substance use disorders, has always been a priority for UPMC Health Plan,” said Chronis Manolis, chief pharmacy officer at UPMC Health Plan. “This study shows the benefits of engaging local pharmacists as part of the health care team to support healthy outcomes for our members.”

NACDS Foundation president Sara Roszak, said, “The NACDS Foundation prioritizes research that can help transform traditional care delivery models. These research findings are yet another example of how communities benefit from the unique and personalized care provided by local pharmacies, and from innovative partnerships committed to improving health outcomes.”

Patients aged 18 years or older receiving a schedule II or III opioid prescription at participating community pharmacies in Allegheny County, Pa. were invited to engage in SBIRT as part of Project Lifeline–II from June 2020 through January 2023. Pharmacy team members asked all eligible patients for permission to provide SBIRT services, and patients were given the right to refuse any or all services. Almost 80% of adults asked to participate were screened at least once – demonstrating results comparable to participation rates in the rural-based studies.

[Read more: Jim Whitman to retire from NACDS]