The ASAM Criteria is the most commonly used guidelines for the treatment of patients with substance
use disorders. The ASAM Criteria is the result of a collaboration to define criteria for providing outcome-
oriented and results-based care in the treatment of addiction.
The ASAM Criteria is an important resource that addiction medicine professionals rely on. They refer to
a multidimensional patient assessment which helps determine the intensity and scope of treatment that
is recommended. They are useful to patients, treatment providers, managed care providers, and other
stakeholders and professionals
The six dimensions are:
1. Acute intoxication and/ or withdrawal potential
2. Biomedical conditions and complications
3. Emotional, behavioral or cognitive conditions and complications
4. Readiness to change
5. Relapse, continued use, or continued problem potential
6. Recovery/ Living Environment.
The information from these assessments is used to determine the appropriate level of care and services
for an individual patient.
Wayne Macfadden MD is a Board Certified Psychiatrist by the American Board of Psychiatry and
Neurology. Dr. Macfadden is a Fellow in the Philadelphia College of Physicians, and a former Fellow in
the American College of Psychiatrists. Dr. Macfadden is also certified in Addiction Medicine by the
American Board of Preventive Medicine, and had Added Qualifications in Addiction Psychiatry. Dr.
Wayne Macfadden has worked in a variety of treatment and research settings, and is currently with the
Spirt Lake Nation Tribe in Fort Totten, North Dakota as their first full- time Psychiatrist.
He is also a member of ASAM since 2018.
