Treatment Basics

The ASI e-Course provides states, counties, community-based organizations, and individual professionals with on-demand access to proven and effective ASI training. This comprehensive adult-learning solution leverages the advantages of web-based instruction while incorporating the content and teaching methods of a highly successful onsite curriculum developed to train participants in the correct administration of the Addiction Severity Index (ASI).

The course is designed to teach participants the purpose and intent of ASI items, recommended probes and follow-up questions, coding conventions, and Interviewer Severity Rating (ISR) procedures. In addition, there is a strong emphasis on the clinical significance of the information collected through the ASI—specifically, how that information informs diagnostic impressions using the DSM-5 and level-of-care recommendations utilizing the ASAM Criteria, 3rd Edition. This clinical emphasis distinguishes the curriculum from others and is a primary reason ASI onsite workshops and the ASI e-Course are highly regarded among counselors and clinicians.

The ASI e-Course is more comprehensive than standard one- or two-day onsite workshops. It provides greater depth of content, expanded practice opportunities, structured performance feedback, and extensive support materials—far beyond what is typically possible in a traditional workshop format.

The course has demonstrated effectiveness in achieving its intended learning outcomes, including supporting the transfer and maintenance of newly learned knowledge and skills back to the workplace. The average pre-course learning measure score is 46/100. The average post-course score increases to 85/100, with a follow-up learning measure average of 91/100.

The ASI e-Course is standardized, evidence-based, accessible, and cost-effective. It is intentionally designed to increase learning and support sustained skill transfer. Its structure allows learners to engage in a self-directed, self-paced learning experience tailored to their individual learning styles and professional needs—an advantage not typically available in traditional one- or two-day onsite workshops.

The course incorporates evidence-based adult learning principles and instructional strategies shown to increase knowledge acquisition and enhance long-term skill retention and workplace application.

Individuals and organizations may purchase three- or six-month subscriptions; however, completion is expected within the first 30 days to maximize learning transfer and retention.

Blended learning options are also available: 

1. The ASI e-Course combined with live video teleconferencing sessions 
2. The ASI e-Course combined with onsite workshop delivery

We welcome the opportunity to discuss the course, blended learning options, or your organization’s training needs and to design a learning solution that best fits your goals.

To date, the ASI and ASAM e-Courses have been utilized by individuals and organizations across three countries and 20 U.S. states. Organizations include mental health and substance use treatment providers, research organizations, drug courts, probation and parole departments, and single state behavioral health agencies.

The ASAM and ASI e-Courses and workshops are designed and delivered by Thomas H. Coyne, Ed.D., LCSW—a nationally recognized adult educator providing evidence-based learning solutions in the assessment and treatment of individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Dr. Coyne is widely regarded as one of the most experienced and effective trainers in the country in the correct use of the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) and the American Society of Addiction Medicine’s Criteria.