ASAM level criteria describe care as an ongoing program represented by four and sometimes five broad service levels, including early intervention. Within these five broad levels, decimal places are used to further explore a deeper intensity service.

This allows the patient to move up and down from an intensity level without having to move to the next treatment level if they feel they are not yet fully prepared. These treatment programs provide specialized services on a planned basis for people with alcohol and other substance abuse problems.

ASAM level programs also offer patients a unique way to share their life stories with group members as the contributions of others can be seen as an added benefit. As patients progress through different levels of ASAM, they learn a range of socially acceptable values, such as autonomy, responsibility, competence, personal achievement, personal/community protection, and the importance of family.

Therapeutic counselors at the ASAM level also play a big role in these types of programs. They can help provide information so clients can gain the knowledge they need to make better decisions in their daily lives.