ASAM Pocket Guidelines and Patient Guide

ASAM Opioid Use Disorder Patient Guide 2025

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3 ASSESSMENT Seeking help is the first important step to recovery. The next step in the process is to meet with a qualified clinician. A clinician is a health professional such as a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or nurse. During this first appointment, the clinician will screen the patient for an opioid use disorder and complete an assessment. The goal of the assessment is to gain a thorough understanding of patients and the severity of their illness. This will help the clinician and patient develop a treatment plan that best matches the patient's needs. Getting Started • The clinician will ask questions to understand all of the factors that contribute to the patient's addiction. The more that is known, the better treatment can be planned with the patient. The patient will likely be asked about: • Current drug and alcohol use • Withdrawal symptoms • History of substance use • Family history of addiction • Mental or physical health problems • Support systems • Access to safe, stable housing • Motivation to change • The next step is a complete examination to check the patient's overall physical and mental health. This includes finding other common conditions related to addiction that may impact the plan for treatment. • The physical examination will often include a drug test.

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