Tag: SASSI-4

Clinical Q&A Webinar – Please Join Us | Register Now!

Please join us for a free one-hour online SASSI Clinical Q&A session hosted by our Clinical Director, David Helton, LMSW, LCDC. Everyone is welcome to join us: those new to the SASSI, those considering implementation of the SASSI, or seasoned veterans of the SASSI. The Q&A is scheduled from 11 am – Noon ET on July 22nd. Save your spot by clicking here. Please share interesting profiles for David to discuss with the group by sending them (de-identified) via email any time prior to the session to scarlett@sassi.com. These profiles will help others learn about SASSI and offer insight into the various profile configurations. Note: Q&A sessions do not provide CEUs and are not a substitute for SASSI Training.

If you are interested in participating in a certified SASSI training, we will be hosting a Live SASSI Training webinar on the Administration & Scoring of the paper & pencil format of the SASSI as well as Clinical Interpretation on June 10th (Session 1) and June 24th (session 2). The sessions are $60 USD each and provide 3.5 CEUs. You can learn more and register by clicking here.

SASSI Supporting Community Corrections

The SASSI Institute supports community corrections by providing tools, training, and resources to help probation officers, case managers, and other professionals identify substance use issues among individuals in the criminal justice system. Our tools can enhance decision-making, reduce recidivism, and support successful rehabilitation efforts.

Key Ways the SASSI Institute Supports Community Corrections:

1. Validated Screening Tools:

  • The Adult SASSI-4 and Adolescent SASSI-A3 are effective tools for identifying substance use disorders, even in individuals who may deny or minimize their use.
  • The Correctional (COR) scale may be useful in promoting discussion of the basis of clients’ legal difficulties, if any, and behavioral patterns that prompt other types of sanctions. Discussions focused on ways to avoid future problems can be valuable for the client.

2. Efficient Assessment Process:

  • SASSI tools are quick and easy to administer, typically taking 15 minutes to complete, which minimizes disruption to case management workflows.
  • Scoring can be completed manually or through online software, allowing for rapid scoring, interpretation and integration into case plans.

3. Objective Decision-Making:

  • The SASSI provides objective scoring to support probation and parole decisions and help in identifying high-risk behaviors.
  • Can help in determining appropriate levels of intervention based on the likelihood of substance use disorders and scale scores.

4. Treatment Matching and Referral:

  • The SASSI can offer insights into individuals’ substance use patterns and behaviors, aiding in referrals to suitable treatment programs.

5. Training for Community Corrections Professionals:

  • The SASSI Institute provides workshops to train professionals in using SASSI tools effectively.
  • Training ensures probation officers and case managers can confidently interpret results and apply them in their work.

6. Reducing Recidivism:

  • By identifying substance use issues early, SASSI tools help community corrections professionals intervene before substance use leads to further criminal behavior.
  • The SASSI can supports rehabilitation efforts by addressing substance use as a contributing factor to criminal activity.

7. Resources for Special Populations:

  • Offers tools and guidance for working with diverse populations, including adolescents, monolingual Spanish speakers and IAmerican Sign Language.

8. Ongoing Support:

  • Access to our Free Clinical Help Line for assistance with interpreting results and addressing case-specific questions.
  • Updates and resources to keep community corrections professionals informed about best practices in substance use screening and assessment.

Benefits of using the SASSI in Community Corrections:

  • Enhances the ability to identify and address substance use issues in justice-involved individuals.
  • Improves treatment outcomes and supports long-term rehabilitation.
  • Efficient and reliable screening tools reduces workload.
  • Strengthens the link between corrections, treatment providers, and community resources.

The SASSI Institute can help community corrections professionals make informed decisions, improve client outcomes, and contribute to public safety. Large volume SASSI users in federal, state, and local correctional centers can reach out to us about the development of customized reports on a contractual basis to meet specific program needs

Join us for one of our live In-Person SASSI Trainings

We are excited that our certified SASSI trainers are getting back on the road to offer you live in-person training. Below is a list of currently scheduled workshops. Don’t see your state or province on the list? Be sure to check out our training page for new additions at https://sassi.com/sassi-training-us/ or https://sassi.com/sassi-training-canada/. Feel free to reach out directly to the training in your area with questions.

  • Birmingham, AL | June 25, 2025
  • Fairbanks, AK | June 13, 2025
  • Anchorage, AK | June 16, 2025
  • Juneau, AK | June 18, 2025
  • Little Rock, AR | June 20, 2025
  • Hartford, CT | July 18, 2025
  • Dover, DE | July 16, 2025
  • Fort Lauderdale, FL | July 31, 2025
  • Atlanta, GA | July 9, 2025
  • Līhuʻe, HI | June 2, 2025
  • Honolulu, HI | June 4, 2025
  • Boston, MA | July 21, 2025
  • Detroit, MI | July 25, 2025
  • Jackson, MS | June 23, 2025
  • Newark, NJ | July 23, 2025
  • Raleigh, NC | July 7, 2025
  • Portland, OR | June 6, 2025
  • Seattle, WA | June 9, 2025
  • Spokane, WA | June 11, 2025
  • Charleston, WV | July 14, 2025

Registration information can be found at https://sassi.com/sassi-training-us/. You can also join us for one of our live online or on-demand trainings at https://sassi.com/sassi-training-online/.

What is The SASSI Institute’s Clinical Help Line?

The SASSI Institute’s Clinical Help Line is a free resource designed to support clinicians and professionals using the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI). It provides assistance with clinical interpretation of scores on each of the SASSI scales; helps individuals understand typical trends seen in SASSI profiles and how to use that information in educating clients, making referrals for clients, or developing treatment plans; provides assistance in manual scoring issues; and addresses any other specific SASSI-related questions.

Typical Clinical Help Line services include:

· Clarifying how to interpret complex or ambiguous results.

· Answering questions about the SASSI tools’ methodology or scoring.

· Providing recommendations for follow-up based on screening results.

· Offering advice on integrating SASSI assessments into broader treatment planning.

This service helps clinicians maximize the effectiveness of the SASSI tools in identifying and addressing substance use issues in diverse client populations. The Clinical Help Line is staffed by experienced, licensed/certified professionals with many years of experience and expertise in the SASSI instruments, substance use disorders and screening and assessment. They are available to answer your questions Monday thru Friday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm EST. This is a totally free service so give our friendly clinicians a call and allow us to help you make your experience with the SASSI even better for you and your clients!

Reignite Your Professional Growth with Onsite SASSI Training

In a world increasingly dominated by virtual interactions, the value of face-to-face, hands-on training cannot be overstated. Onsite SASSI training offers unparalleled opportunities to immerse yourself in a dynamic learning environment that sparks creativity, fosters meaningful connections, and enhances your skillset.

Why Choose Onsite Training?

  • Personal Interaction: Engage directly with experienced trainers and fellow participants, creating a rich learning experience.
  • Hands-On Experience: Participate in practical exercises and real-time problem-solving that solidify your understanding and application of key concepts.
  • Immediate Feedback: Receive instant, personalized feedback from trainers, allowing you to refine your skills on the spot.
  • Networking Opportunities: Build lasting professional relationships with peers who share your commitment to excellence and growth.

Take the Next Step:

Ready to make a positive impact on your staff? Email me, Wallace Jones (an independent Certified SASSI Training contractor), via email wj1856@yahoo.com, by phone: 561.570.2118, or via WhatsApp: 849.707.8886, for your next onsite SASSI training sessions. Your staff will thank you!

Happy New Year from The SASSI Institute!

As we usher in another year, we at The SASSI Institute want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made together and share our excitement for the opportunities ahead. The start of a new year is not only a time for celebration but also a time to recommit ourselves to our mission of providing valid and reliable tools to support professionals in the substance use addiction field.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, we invite you to join us in making 2025 a year of impact and innovation. Stay connected by following us on our social media channels, attending our training workshops, participating in our free online clinical Q&A sessions, and sharing your insights with us.

Together, we can continue to build a future where every individual struggling with substance use receives the care and support they deserve. Let’s make this year one to remember—for all the right reasons.

Wishing you a prosperous and fulfilling 2025,

The SASSI Institute Team

Clinical Q&A and Live SASSI Training Webinar – Please Join Us | Register Now!

We welcome you to join us for a free one-hour online SASSI Clinical Q&A session hosted by our Clinical Director, David Helton, LMSW, LCDC. Whether you’re new to the SASSI, considering using the SASSI, or a seasoned veteran at screening with the SASSI, everyone is welcome. The Q&A is scheduled from 11 am – Noon ET on: January14th. You can save your spot by clicking here. We welcome you to share profiles to discuss with the group by sending them (de-identified) via email any time prior to the session to scarlett@sassi.com. These profiles will help others learn about SASSI and offer insight into the various profile configurations. Note: Q&A sessions do not provide CEUs and are not a substitute for SASSI Training.

Additionally, we will be hosting a Live SASSI Training webinar on the Administration & Scoring of the paper & pencil format of the SASSI as well as Clinical Interpretation in December. The sessions are $60 USD each and provide 3.5 CEUs. You can learn more and register by clicking here.

Skillfully Using the SASSI

We want clinicians to find the SASSI to be helpful in their work in a way that enables them to affect the lives of their clients in a positive manner.

When a client is unable to acknowledge (sincerely deluded) or unwilling to accept they may have a problem, a clinician’s skillful and caring feedback on SASSI results may help break through those barriers and enable the client to take the courageous step toward recovery.

If you would like to learn more about clinically interpreting SASSI profiles, we encourage you to join us for one of Clinical Interpretation trainings. For more information on live, on-demand, and in-person workshops, please visit https://sassi.com/sassi-training/

Free assistance interpreting SASSI results is available M-F 1-5 pm ET at 800.726-0526 Option 2.

A SASSI-4 Profile Analysis: Drug Offender with SAT As Highest Score

The following profile result is of a 35-year-old male referred for screening and possible assessment after a drug-related arrest. He completed the FVA/FVOD side of the questionnaire based on his entire life timeframe. His RAP score was 0, indicating no random responding and that the result should be valid. His Prescription Drug Scale score (Rx) was 1, so he did not meet the cutoff for High Probability of Prescription Drug Abuse.

Looking at this profile, we see that he was classified as high probability of a substance use disorder based on the following Decision Rules:

  • Decision Rule 1 with a FVOD score of 32.
  • Decision Rule 3 with an OAT score of 9.
  • Decision Rule 4 with a SAT score of 14.
  • Decision Rule 5 with a SYM score of 6 (5 or more) and a SAT score of 14 (4 or more).
  • Decision Rule 7 with an OAT score of 9 (7 or more) and a SAT score of 14 (6 or more).

Looking at the graph on the SASSI Adult Male Profile sheet, we see an extremely high elevation on the FVOD scale score which is significantly above the 98th percentile. Individuals who score this high on the FVOD are able to acknowledge currently having or having had numerous negative consequences and problems as a result of their use of drugs. This can include loss of control of the drug use as well as using a coping mechanism.  It is important to note that, since he was asked to use the “entire life” timeframe for the FVA and FVOD scales, his admission of having these consequences and problems with drugs may be related to some time in his past and not necessarily currently. For example, the client’s score on the SYM scale (which is similar to the FVA/FVOD in what it is measuring), is not nearly as elevated as his score on the FVOD even though the questions are not that dissimilar from the FVOD questions.

This suggests that he is not showing as much acknowledgement on the SYM scale of the symptoms of substance misuse that he admitted to on the FVOD scale. This could be related to the fact that the SYM scale (like all scales on the True/False side of the questionnaire) has no specific timeframe associated with it and therefore the client may have the belief that, while he has had significant problems with drugs in the past, he may not believe his current drug use is as much of a problem currently. It is highly recommended that clinicians do a content analysis of the client’s answers to the FVOD and SYM scale questions as this will provide more insight into the client’s acknowledged problems with drugs.   

This client’s elevated OAT scale score, like the elevated FVOD scale score, suggests a capacity to acknowledge and identify with many of the typical negative attributes (general personality and behavioral characteristics) and personal limitations that are often common among those with substance use disorders – e.g. impatience, resentment, self-pity, impulsiveness).  While the client can often see these “character defects”, they may not always feel motivated to change them or feel capable of changing. Given that the OAT score in this case is above the 98th percentile, it is highly probable that this individual may be able to closely identify with individuals in recovery from substance use disorder, such as those found at recovery support groups, and therefore may be more willing to trust these recovering individuals and follow their recovery advice.

The client’s highly elevated SAT score (the highest score on this profile), which is higher on the graph than the OAT score, suggests that despite the client’s capacity to acknowledge the more obvious problems and negative consequences associated with his use of drugs, there are subtle aspects of his behavior, personality, and addiction that are extremely hard for him to acknowledge. In other words, he may not be able recognize the pervasiveness of his addiction, how it negatively affects and rules every aspect of his life with deeply held negative thinking patterns, beliefs and negative coping patterns driving his addictive behaviors.

Clients with a pattern of scores like this client who tend to be able to acknowledge heavy usage, negative consequences and problem behaviors, may still be convinced, sincerely deluded into thinking that they are not truly addicted. They will often present as more “superficial” saying things like “well, I go to work every day and do my job so I couldn’t be addicted”. Clients with elevated SAT scores (especially higher on the graph than their OAT score) tend to be more initially resistant to the need for treatment and are more likely to relapse. These clients tend to be detached from their feelings and have relatively little insight into the basis and causes of their problems (namely substance addiction). These clients typically need a more intensive level of treatment where they can receive constant support for their recovery efforts and can get the kind of group processing therapy needed to help them connect with their feelings and learn how to cope with them without drugs.

In providing treatment to this type of client it is important to recognize that underneath the many excuses (other than substance addiction) for their problems, there is an individual with a substance use disorder who is likely in pain and scared. Individuals with high SAT scores may not be in touch with the pain and fear, largely because they immediately numb any negative feelings with substances as soon as they appear, but the pain and fear. In this case, intensive treatment and group work has to be accompanied by sensitive and skillful clinical intervention that lets the individual know that somebody is aware of their fear deep within and that it will be a relief to let it out to begin healing.

We hope you find this useful information regarding clinical issues.  As always, the Clinical Helpline at 888-297-2774 is open to serve you Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm (EST).

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Clinical Q&A – Please Join Us | Register Now!

We welcome you to join us for a free one-hour online SASSI Q&A session hosted by our Clinical Director, David Helton, LMSW, LCDC. Whether you’re new to the SASSI, considering using the SASSI, or a seasoned veteran at screening with the SASSI, everyone is welcome. The Q&A is scheduled from Noon-1pm ET on: November 12th. You can save your spot by clicking here. We welcome you to share profiles to discuss with the group by sending them (de-identified) via email any time prior to the session to scarlett@sassi.com. These profiles will help others learn about the SASSI and offer insight into the various profile configurations.

Note: Q&A sessions do not provide CEUs and are not a substitute for SASSI Training.