Alcohol and Other Drug Best-Practice Intervention Strategies*
Assessment Components
The six ASAM Placement Criteria dimensions:
• transmissible infectious diseases and other bio-medical history (provide targeted
risk-reduction counseling as indicated)
• co-occurring mental health or behavioral problems (ensure concurrent AOD and mental
health treatment, as indicated)
• potential for withdrawal symptom severity and the need for medications
• motivation for change (using the Prochaska Stages Of Change model)
• protective factors and risk factors in the recovery environment
• potential for relapse
Treatment Components
• Drug testing during treatment to provide incentive for, and monitor, abstinence
• Utilize Motivational Interviewing as part of a non-confrontational, solution-focused approach
to treatment engagement and retention in order to facilitate optimum outcomes
• Consider age, gender, maturity/developmental level, and culture in all phases of
assessment, treatment and service delivery
• Education regarding the effects of substance use, what to expect in the course of treatment,
and the expected effects of treatment
• Open-ended questions and exploration of values, past successes, and empathic reflection
of thoughts and feelings to support self-realization of the need for change
• Identification of routine triggers for substance use and understanding relapse as a process
• Identification and modification of social and other barriers to abstinence
• Support for self-efficacy, effective coping and problem-solving skill sets for current and
future stressors
• Inclusion of the relevant support system (e.g., family members) in both treatment planning
and service delivery (unless contraindicated) to reduce family-based risk factors and
enhance protective factors
• Development of a long-term sober support system
• Consistent collaboration with other relevant service providers (e.g., legal, health, school)
