Phase 1: One-Day ASAM Adolescent Core Concepts Training
This interactive training introduces participants to the foundational principles, goals, and
structure of The ASAM Criteria, Fourth Edition, Volume 2: Adolescents and Transition-Aged
Youth. It provides a comprehensive overview of the continuum of care for adolescent
substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, emphasizing developmental considerations, family
engagement, and integrated care for co-occurring conditions. Participants will examine the
guiding principles that shape admission, continued service, and transition decisions, as well
as the updated dimensional framework and standards for individualized, family-driven, and
youth-guided treatment planning.
The session also explores normal adolescent development, risk and protective factors, and
the neuroscience of addiction to contextualize clinical decision-making. The training
highlights the importance of secondary and tertiary prevention as essential components of
adolescent treatment, recognizing that early identification, timely intervention, and sustained
recovery and family support are critical to interrupting progression, reducing harm, and
promoting healthy development. Designed to be highly interactive and case-based, the
training engages participants in real-world scenarios and collaborative discussions that
apply the updated ASAM Criteria concepts in practice. These case-based exercises support
clinicians in translating theory into actionable skills, strengthening their confidence in making
level-of-care recommendations and developing individualized, developmentally attuned
treatment and prevention plans.
Objectives of the Training
- Review the foundational principles of the ASAM Criteria and the major updates to The
ASAM Criteria, Fourth Edition
- Identify the content, functionality, and capabilities of the redesigned digital and print
Tools of The ASAM Criteria
- Recognize potential inquiries from the provider community and how to access
resources related to standards and practices consistent with the implementation of The
ASAM Criteria, Fourth Edition
- Discuss and share ideas and feedback for training needs across the State.