At Serenity Springs Recovery Center, our program is grounded in the Six Dimensions of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). ASAM is the leading organization in the field of addiction medicine, committed to improving the care of individuals suffering from drug and alcohol addiction. ASAM has developed clinical guidelines for healthcare professionals to treat individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
The ASAM Criteria is a set of guidelines that assesses patients’ needs and helps clinicians develop appropriate treatment plans. These criteria consider six dimensions that play a role in substance use disorders, including:
- Acute intoxication and withdrawal potential
- Biomedical conditions and complications
- Emotional, behavioral, or cognitive conditions and complications
- Readiness to change
- Relapse, continued use, or continued problem potential
- Recovery and living environment
Each dimension is assessed independently, providing a comprehensive and multidimensional understanding of the patient’s needs, strengths, and vulnerabilities. This information is crucial in determining the most effective treatment plan for each individual.
In this approach to patient assessment, each dimension – whether it is physical health, mental health, social circumstances, or lifestyle – is analyzed independently, allowing for an exhaustive, in-depth, and multidimensional appraisal of the patient’s unique situation. Such a detailed analysis ensures that every area of the patient’s life is considered, highlighting both their needs in terms of healthcare and support, as well as their strengths, such as coping skills and supportive networks, that could aid in their recovery.
