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Overview

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) offers a comprehensive array of award programs designed to honor its members and individuals who have made significant contributions to addiction medicine. These programs celebrate excellence in clinical practice, research, education, and advocacy, highlighting the vital roles that dedicated professionals play in improving the lives of those affected by addiction. ASAM aims to inspire continued commitment and innovation in addiction care through these awards, recognizing the crucial role of professionals in this field and fostering a supportive community dedicated to advancing the field.

Application period open.

All Award Recipients are honored during the .

Gitlow Leadership Award

The ASAM Gitlow Leadership Award is presented to those individuals who have served as national president of ASAM. It is bestowed upon the completion of their term as the Past President, by which time the recipient has served nearly a decade on the presidential track of the ASAM Board. 

Learn more about Dr. Gitlow and his contributions to ASAM.

The John P. McGovern Award on Addiction and Society

The John P. McGovern MD Award and Lecture on Addiction and Society - established in 1997 to recognize and honor an individual who has made highly meritorious contributions to public policy, treatment, research, or prevention which has increased our understanding of the relationship of addiction and society. The Award is sponsored by an endowment from the John P. McGovern Foundation. 

Marc Galanter MD Annual Award - NEW FOR 2026

The Marc Galanter MD Annual Award recognizes and honors an individual for exceptional contributions to both the biological aspects of addiction treatment and the recovery capital available to patients. Recovery capital includes elements such as peer and family support and the experience of meaning and purpose in life. The biological aspects refer to a deep understanding of Addiction Medicine, the expansion of the field’s frontiers, and a broader comprehension of the addictive process through research and innovation.

Learn more about Dr. Galanter and his contributions to the field and his service to ASAM. 

Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, and Justice Award

The ASAM Award for the Promotion of Inclusion, Diversity, Equality, and Justice in Addiction Medicine recognizes and honors an individual for their treatment, research, or work in the area of injustice related to addiction care, that has improved the lives of individuals with addiction disorders and that have been the object of discrimination, injustice, exclusion, or persecution. 

Fellowship Directors Award

The ASAM Fellowship Directors Award (formerly the ASAM Annual Training Directors Award) recognizes and honors an individual who has demonstrated outstanding training in the evaluation, treatment, research and teaching of substance use disorders. 

Public Policy Award

The Public Policy Award honors an individual who has effectively advanced public policies that promote the health of Americans, especially persons with addictions; addiction medicine physicians; the education of physicians and medical trainees regarding substance use and addiction; or recognition of the practice of addiction medicine. 

Media Award

The ASAM Media Award is presented for excellence in print or electronic journalism. The Award is bestowed for a newspaper, magazine, television, radio or website story, column, or program that improves the public's understanding of addiction, addiction treatment, recovery, or the profession of addiction medicine. 

R. Brinkley Smithers Distinguished Scientist Award

The R. Brinkley Smithers and Distinguished Scientist Award - established in 1995 as a lasting tribute to R. Brinkley Smithers who influenced American alcoholism policy, theory and treatment. Through his dedication and philanthropy, he created a far greater understanding of this treatable disease. 
The Award recognizes and honors an individual who has made highly meritorious contributions in advancing the scientific understanding of addiction, its prevention and treatment.