DOR researchers organize global conference on alcoholism interventions – Kaiser Permanente Division of Research

Report on the 2025 INEBRIA Conference on Brief Interventions for Substance Use

Introduction: Aligning with Global Health Mandates

A conference was held from September 24-26, 2025, in San Francisco by the International Network on Brief Intervention for Alcohol or Other Drugs (INEBRIA). The event convened over 130 international researchers to advance the science of brief interventions for substance use. This initiative directly supports the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. The conference, co-organized by Dr. Stacy Sterling and Dr. Derek Satre, focused on motivational interviewing—a patient-centered conversational technique—as a primary tool for reducing the health and social risks associated with substance use.

Core Objective: Strengthening SDG Target 3.5

The central theme of the conference was the enhancement of brief interventions, which are pivotal for fulfilling SDG Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol. INEBRIA is the sole scientific society dedicated specifically to this intervention model, which is applied across diverse settings to promote public health and well-being.

Key Thematic Areas and Contributions to Sustainable Development

The conference agenda was structured to address critical facets of substance use intervention, with each session contributing to the broader SDG framework.

1. Foundational Principles and Practice

   A keynote lecture by Dr. William Miller, co-developer of motivational interviewing, reinforced the evidence-based psychological principles that underpin effective substance use treatment. This knowledge is fundamental to building capacity for health systems to meet the goals of SDG 3.

2. Innovation and Accessibility (SDG 9)

   A pre-conference educational day focused on digital interventions, including telehealth and remote treatment options. This theme aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, by exploring how technology can be leveraged to broaden access to care and improve health outcomes, thereby ensuring more equitable delivery of mental health services.

3. Addressing Inequalities (SDG 10 and SDG 5)

   Panels were dedicated to the latest research on intervention strategies for vulnerable populations. This focus directly supports SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 5: Gender Equality by ensuring that intervention models are effective and accessible for all, including:

   • Adolescents
   • Pregnant people
   • Hospitalized patients

   Discussions also covered the cost-effectiveness of interventions and strategies for opioid use, further contributing to equitable health systems.

4. Policy and Partnerships (SDG 17)

   A panel of local and regional policymakers examined strategies for prevention and early intervention. This session highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, a core principle of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, to translate research into effective public health policy and practice.

Conclusion

The 2025 INEBRIA conference served as a critical platform for advancing research and collaboration on brief interventions for substance use. By focusing on evidence-based practices, technological innovation, equity, and policy integration, the proceedings made a significant contribution toward the global effort to achieve SDG 3 and its specific targets related to mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The primary Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) addressed in the article is:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. The entire article focuses on strategies to address health problems related to substance use. It discusses “brief interventions using motivational interviewing” to help individuals whose “alcohol or drug use is causing problems in their life.” The text emphasizes the importance of these interventions in preventing or reducing “problem substance use and the health and social risks that accompany it,” which directly aligns with the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s focus, the following specific targets under SDG 3 can be identified:

• Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol. This is the most directly relevant target. The article is centered on the INEBRIA conference, which is dedicated to research on “brief intervention for Alcohol or Other Drugs.” The purpose of these interventions is explicitly stated as “preventing or reducing problem substance use.” The conference agenda includes topics like “opioid use intervention” and discussions with policymakers on “substance use problem prevention and early intervention strategies,” all of which directly support this target.
• Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. The article connects substance use to overall health, stating that “alcohol and drug use, even at relatively low levels, can negatively impact physical and mental health.” By focusing on interventions that help people manage their substance use, the research and strategies discussed contribute to the promotion of mental health and well-being, a key component of this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not provide specific numerical data but implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Indicator for Target 3.5 (Coverage of treatment interventions): The article implies the need to measure the reach and implementation of substance use interventions. Stacy Sterling is quoted saying, “Continued research is vital to broadening its use so we can reach more people who need help managing their substance use.” This points to an indicator related to the coverage and accessibility of treatment services, such as the percentage of the population with substance use disorders who receive treatment. The discussion of implementing interventions in diverse settings like “health care to schools to worksites to the justice system” further supports this.
• Indicator for Target 3.5 (Harmful use of alcohol and drugs): The goal of the interventions is to “reduce problem substance use.” This directly implies an indicator measuring the prevalence of harmful use of alcohol and drugs within the population. Progress would be measured by a reduction in this prevalence over time.
• Indicator for Target 3.5 (Adoption of new technologies): The article highlights a pre-conference day on “digital interventions in substance use intervention and treatment,” including “telehealth,” “AI chatbots and digital screening.” An implied indicator is the rate of adoption and effectiveness of these digital tools in delivering prevention and treatment services, which can help in “broadening its use.”
• Indicator for Target 3.5 (Cost-effectiveness of interventions): The conference included presentations on the “cost effectiveness of brief interventions.” This suggests that measuring the economic efficiency of these programs is a key indicator for policymakers to scale up prevention and treatment efforts effectively.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: divisionofresearch.kaiserpermanente.org