Shared definition of substance addiction

A single definition of substance addiction is adopted and consistently used by local behavioral health systems, jails, courts, and probation and parole agencies for their Stepping Up efforts. This ensures that all systems are using the same measure to identify people who have substance addiction, which may encompass substance addictions that co-occur with mental illnesses.

Local Examples

Champaign County, IL Champaign County Sheriff's Office

• A community coordinating body, convened by the sheriff's office and behavioral health provider, developed a shared definition of substance addiction for screening and assessment purposes.
• This definition was adapted from Substance Abuse and Mental health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

For a sample related to this example, see this resource:

• Definitions and Screening and Assessment Process - Champaign County, IL