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ASAM Accepting Public Comment for Next Edition of Criteria
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has posted draft standards for the upcoming 4th edition of The ASAM Criteria—a book of standards for addiction treatment—on its website and is now accepting public comment until November 11.
The first volume of the book, which will focus on adults with substance use disorders (SUDs), is scheduled to be published and distributed by Hazelden Publishing in the fall of 2023. Ensuing volumes will focus on: adolescents and transition-age youth, addiction treatment within jails and prisons, and treatment of behavioral addictions, such as gambling, gaming, and internet use.
“As states across the country work to improve their addiction treatment systems, they are rapidly adopting The ASAM Criteria,” R. Corey Waller, MD, MS, FACEP, DFASAM, editor-in-chief of the 4th edition of The ASAM Criteria, said in a news release. “For our part, it is imperative to keep these standards updated to reflect the latest research and best clinical practices.
“We at ASAM are excited to partner with Hazelden Betty Ford to support dissemination of the newest edition of The ASAM Criteria, with a strong focus on supporting effective implementation and practical application throughout the addiction treatment ecosystem.”
For the latest edition, the ASAM Editorial Subcommittee has proposed a series of major changes to facilitate implementation, address gaps in addiction treatment quality, and reflect the field’s evolving needs. The key changes include:
- Updating the continuum of care and ASAM Criteria Assessment and Treatment planning standards
- Increasing access to pharmacotherapies to treat addiction
- Promoting the integration of treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions, as well as the integration of SUD treatment into general healthcare
- Incorporating treatment of individuals with cognitive impairments
- Supporting the improvement of communication of medical necessity
- Discussing how technology—telehealth platforms, mobile services, and digital therapeutics—can be incorporated at each level of care
- Updating the guide’s language to reflect evolving terminology
- Reviewing and updating standards with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion
The guide’s core principles will remain unchanged from previous editions.
In a news release, ASAM and Hazelden said they are focusing on simplifying how information is presented and incorporating “just-in-time” learning modules and multimedia content for education and training.
For more information on the 4th edition of The ASAM Criteria and how to submit feedback, visit the ASAM website.
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