Advancing Youth Addiction Care: The New ASAM Criteria for Adolescents and Transition-Aged Youth

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has introduced its first volume of treatment standards and admission criteria specifically designed for youth with substance use disorders (SUD). As the primary framework for addiction care in the U.S., these standards now incorporate the latest research and clinical best practices to address the distinct requirements of individual adolescents and transition-aged youth.

In conjunction with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, ASAM experts will introduce the core principles of the new volume and highlight major changes and updates.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand why adolescents and transition‑aged youth require developmentally distinct assessment and treatment approaches rather than adult‑oriented care.
2. Examine family engagement and how family‑driven, youth‑guided care transforms outcomes.
3. Identify best practices for prevention, early intervention, and integrating mental health treatment for co‑occurring conditions.
4. Explore the integration of services across healthcare, schools, community programs, family systems, and juvenile justice.