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What is the Level of Care? ASAM Levels of Care in Treatment

Treatment strategies and the range of programs and services can differ among treatment centers, tailoring themselves to the unique health issues being addressed. Here at the We Level Up TX Treatment Center, we center our efforts on inpatient substance abuse treatment, thoughtfully intertwined with co-occurring dual-diagnosis mental health programs. Our comprehensive approach goes beyond simply tackling fundamental problems. Our approach tries to address both the root difficulties and the secondary disorders that are linked to them. The ultimate goal is to improve the long-term recovery results of individuals in our care.

There are standardized and well-followed criteria for determining what kind of treatment someone should undergo. The ASAM Level of Care system is an excellent way to find out and determine the intensity and type of treatment they should be placed in. Read on to find out more about Levels of Care for Addiction.

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The Five Levels of Care

Picture the American Society for Addiction Medicine’s (ASAM) five levels of care as a trusty roadmap, gently steering both patients and healthcare providers along the intricate treatment path. It’s like a reliable guidebook, providing direction and insights as we navigate the unique journey toward healing and recovery.

The levels of care are as follows:

Level 0.5 – Early Intervention

This is geared towards individuals teetering on the brink of developing substance use disorders or those in the initial phases of such challenges. To thwart the progression of substance use issues, the focus at this level revolves around imparting education, raising awareness, and implementing brief interventions.

Level 1 – Outpatient Services

In non-residential settings, outpatient services encompass individual or group counseling, therapy, and education. Tailored for individuals dealing with mild to moderate substance use disorders, this level is designed for those who don’t necessitate round-the-clock care.

Level 2 – Intensive Outpatient/Partial Hospitalization Services

This level involves more structured and intensive services than outpatient care. It is appropriate for individuals who require higher support but can still reside in their homes.

Level 3 – Residential/Inpatient Services

Residential or inpatient services involve 24-hour care in a controlled environment. This level is suitable for individuals with moderate to severe substance use disorders who require a highly structured and supportive setting.

Level 4 – Medically Managed Intensive Inpatient Services

At level four, 24-hour medically managed services are provided in an acute care setting, typically in a hospital. It is reserved for individuals with severe substance use disorders who require constant medical monitoring and supervision.

Levels and Sub-levels of Care Chart

These levels of care also have sub-levels. Consult the table below to find out more about these sub-levels.

LevelNameDescription
0.5Early InterventionAssessment and education for those at risk of substance use disorder. Includes programs like DUI classes for individuals arrested for driving under the influence. Intervention aims to prevent the development of a substance use disorder.
1Outpatient Treatment Level 1Treatment for substance use, less than 9 hours a week. Suitable for individuals with less severe disorders or as a step-down from more intensive services.
2.1Intensive Outpatient Services Level 2.1At least 9 and no more than 20 hours per week of treatment. Offers 24-hour medical care by phone or within 72 hours in person.
2.5Partial Hospitalization Level 2.5Residential settings, such as a group home, require 5 hours per week of treatment. Focuses on topics like relapse management.
3.1Clinically Managed Low-Intensity ResidentialResidential setting, such as a group home, requiring 5 hours per week of treatment. Focuses on topics like relapse management.
3.3Clinically Managed High-Intensity and Population-SpecificTargeted treatment at a slower pace for individuals with cognitive functioning issues, traumatic brain injuries, the elderly, or developmental disabilities.
3.5Clinically Managed Residential ServicesFor individuals with serious psychological or social issues requiring 24-hour oversight and at risk of imminent harm.
3.7Medically Managed High-Intensity InpatientFor those needing intensive medical or psychological monitoring in a 24-hour setting but without daily physician interaction.
424-Hour Nursing Care and Daily Physician VisitsFor individuals needing continuous 24-hour oversight and daily physician monitoring.
Levels and Sub-levels of Care Chart

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The levels of care match the intensity of treatment with the needs of each patient.
The levels of care match the intensity of treatment with the needs of each patient.

Why is the Level of Care Important?

The levels of care are structured to match the intensity and type of treatment with the unique needs of each individual. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s a tailored strategy that takes into account the severity of the substance use disorder, the presence of medical and psychological complications, and the person’s readiness for change.

From the early intervention phase to intensive inpatient services, each level addresses specific circumstances, ensuring that individuals receive the appropriate care at the right time. The significance lies in optimizing resources and maximizing the effectiveness of interventions. It’s about providing the necessary support without overwhelming or undertreating someone in need.

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What are the ASAM Criteria?

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) was founded to bring addiction professionals, physicians, and other service providers under the same banner. It was formed by people who were passionate about improving the quality of addiction treatment and educating the medical community and the general public on the complicated nature of addiction. ASAM created the criteria enabling treatment specialists to efficiently assess individuals and determine the optimal therapy for each person during their journey.

These standards, the product of work that began in the 1980s, are the most thorough and commonly utilized criteria for determining treatment placement and patients’ transfer and dismissal from treatment programs. The ASAM criteria include a complete evaluation of the person seeking therapy, which involves an examination of their biological, emotional, and social requirements.

DimensionDescription
1. Acute Intoxication and Withdrawal PotentialAssesses the risk of acute intoxication and withdrawal, determining the need for medical supervision and intervention.
2. Biomedical Conditions and ComplicationsConsiders medical conditions and complications related to substance use, guiding the appropriate level of medical care.
3. Emotional, Behavioral, or Cognitive Conditions and ComplicationsEvaluates mental health, emotional well-being, and cognitive functioning, providing insights into the need for psychiatric or psychological services.
4. Readiness to ChangeAssesses motivation and readiness to engage in treatment and change substance use behavior.
5. Relapse, Continued Use, or Continued Problem PotentialExamines the likelihood of relapse or continued substance use problems, determining the level of treatment intensity.
6. Recovery/Living EnvironmentEvaluates living situation and support system, considering factors that may impact the ability to maintain recovery.
The Six Dimensions of the ASAM Criteria

How is the ASAM Criterion Used?

The ASAM criteria analyze a person’s needs, strengths, resources, social support, and diverse assets using a multidimensional approach. The ASAM criteria assist in determining the best degree of care for the person’s substance use disorder at the time of assessment, taking into account the necessity for medical oversight and safety. The ASAM criteria can be applied at the beginning of therapy and throughout transitions to other levels of care along the continuum.

How Does The Continuum Of Care Work?

When evaluating substance use treatment centers, you’ll come across all these levels of care. The ASAM criteria are also helpful for commercial insurance providers and other stakeholders.

This is how the continuum of care works in theory. To begin, someone suffering from an opioid use disorder requires medically managed detox—the most significant level of treatment. A professional may move you from detox to a less intensive kind of treatment, such as inpatient therapy. Outpatient treatments may be used once inpatient treatment is completed. If a relapse occurs or the need for additional assistance emerges, moving to a higher level of care may be the next step. In such cases, it may be necessary to return to inpatient care.

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Sources
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