If you've been looking into DUI evaluations in Illinois, you've probably seen "ASAM Criteria" mentioned somewhere. It sounds technical because it is — but here's what it actually means for you and your evaluation.
ASAM stands for the American Society of Addiction Medicine. It's a professional medical society dedicated to the prevention and treatment of addiction. ASAM has been around since 1954 and is widely recognized as the leading authority on addiction medicine in the United States.
The ASAM Criteria is basically the rulebook that evaluators use to assess substance use issues and figure out the right level of care. Instead of each evaluator winging it with their own system, ASAM gives everyone the same evidence-based framework to work from.
The ASAM Criteria has been updated several times over the years. The 4th Edition is the most current version and represents the latest thinking in addiction medicine and clinical assessment. It was a significant update from previous editions, incorporating new research, updated terminology, and refined assessment dimensions.
Illinois requires that DUI evaluations be conducted using the ASAM Criteria, 4th Edition. This means your evaluator needs to be trained in and using this specific edition — not an older version.
During your DUI evaluation, the evaluator uses the ASAM Criteria framework to assess you across multiple dimensions. Rather than just looking at one factor (like your BAC), the evaluator considers your whole picture:
The ASAM Criteria examines several key areas:
By looking at all of these dimensions together, the evaluator gets a thorough, well-rounded picture of your situation. This leads to a more accurate and fair assessment than looking at any single factor in isolation.
Illinois, through the Department of Human Services Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (IDHS DBHR), requires licensed providers to use the ASAM Criteria for DUI evaluations. There are several good reasons for this:
As someone going through a DUI evaluation, here's what ASAM Criteria means practically:
The evaluator won't just ask about your arrest. They'll ask about your overall health, mental health, family history, living situation, and more. This isn't nosiness — it's the ASAM framework doing its job. All of these factors contribute to an accurate assessment.
Your risk classification isn't based on a single data point. A high BAC doesn't automatically mean a high risk classification, and a low BAC doesn't guarantee a minimal risk classification. The evaluator considers everything together.
The goal of using ASAM Criteria is to recommend the level of education or treatment that's genuinely appropriate for your situation. It's not designed to punish you — it's designed to identify what, if anything, would actually be helpful.
Not every counselor or therapist is trained in the ASAM Criteria, 4th Edition. Make sure your evaluator is a licensed IDHS DBHR provider who uses the current edition. At DUI Evaluation & Treatment Services, our evaluators are fully trained in the ASAM Criteria, 4th Edition and have over 15 years of experience applying it.
When selecting a provider for your DUI evaluation, make sure they:
Using an evaluator who doesn't meet these requirements could mean your evaluation isn't accepted, and you'd have to start over with a qualified provider.
ASAM Criteria might sound like clinical jargon, but it's actually working in your favor. It ensures your evaluation is fair, thorough, and based on real evidence rather than arbitrary judgment. It means you'll get a recommendation that actually fits your situation — and that's what you want.
At DUI Evaluation & Treatment Services, we've been using ASAM Criteria for DUI evaluations in Springfield, IL for over 15 years. We know the framework inside and out, and we make the process as clear and straightforward as possible for our clients.
Call us at (217) 891-6063 to schedule your evaluation, or contact us online.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or clinical advice. For questions about the evaluation process or your specific situation, call our office.