Infection Control and Mitigation Strategies in Residential Treatment Facilities ASAM

This document provides guidance to residential addiction treatment programs (ASAM Levels 3.1, 3.3, 3.5 and 3.7), supporting the development of infection control and mitigation procedures to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Although focused on ASAM Level 3 treatment programs with 24-hour clinical staffing, portions of the document may be useful for community living programs such as sober housing.

In addition to the risks associated with COVID-19, the current crisis is likely to increase risks associated with substance use and substance use disorder – due to the anxiety, social isolation, and stress associated with the pandemic response. It is critical that addiction treatment services remain accessible throughout this crisis. The goal is to protect the health of residents and staff in residential treatment facilities and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community while maintaining treatment services in a therapeutic environment