ASAM Level Classes

 

ASAM Level classes are designed according to the ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) criteria for addiction treatment. Specifically, ASAM Level I classes provide individuals with a supportive and instructive environment where they are encouraged to develop deeper insights into the causes and conditions, as well as the effects, of their addictive and abusive behaviors. It is well understood in the medical and scientific communities that substance abuse is associated with more fundamental or rudimentary cognitive deficits. Some of these deeper issues may be deficits in emotional regulation, diagnosable affective disorders, or a consequence of a myriad of other sociocultural, environmental and/or genetic factors.

All first DUI offenders are required, as a condition of probation, to get a clinical evaluation, and if indicated by the evaluator, complete a treatment program. These requirements, effective July 1, 2008 are in addition to all other existing requirements for probation. Under this new law, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is responsible for approving clinical evaluators and treatment providers and establishing regulations for implementing these requirements.