The American Society of Addiction Medicine has released a new volume of the ASAM Criteria establishing dedicated treatment standards and admission criteria for adolescents and transition-age youths with substance use disorder.
“Adolescents and Transition-Aged Youth” is part of the fourth edition of the ASAM Criteria, according to a March 25 news release from ASAM. The volume introduces separate standards for youths younger than 18 and individuals ages 16-25, reflecting evolving research on addiction treatment for younger populations.
The framework outlines four broad levels of care, including a chronic care model for ongoing monitoring, integrated mental health and medical treatment and holistic care. Research cited in the release found 80% of adults with substance use disorder initiated substance use before age 19, and those who used substances before age 15 are 6.5 times more likely to develop substance use disorder than individuals who delay use until age 21 or older.
The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, which published the volume, also developed a user-friendly digital interface to support clinicians in applying the standards, the release said.
The volume is available digitally March 31 and in print in June.
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