Inside the ASAM Criteria 4th Edition: A New Blueprint for Person-Centered Care

The ASAM Criteria Fourth Edition (released in 2023) is the most widely used, evidence-based set of standards for assessing, placing, and treating individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs), addiction, and co-occurring conditions. Developed by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), the fourth edition champions holistic, person-centered care that’s more inclusive, equitable, and effective than ever before.  We are joined by Diana Kelly, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), clinician, educator, and Clinical Director for the Consulting and Training Team at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, where she leads the development and implementation of national training and consultation initiatives for the ASAM Criteria Fourth Edition. Diana is an Army veteran with 12 years of service, during which she served as both a Combat Medical Sergeant and a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. Diana joins us to discuss how this new blueprint is revolutionizing the way we approach substance use and co-occurring disorders.  We discuss how the 2023 revision incorporates harm reduction, medication-assisted treatment, and trauma-informed strategies into standard practice. Diana breaks down the key differences between adolescent and adult treatment standards, emphasizing the power of early intervention to alter lives. She shares the groundbreaking focus on family inclusion, peer support, and tailored approaches for marginalized populations, including women veterans and justice-involved individuals.  We also explore the critical challenges—and opportunities—related to access and how this blueprint acts as a north star for future policy, funding, and community efforts.