Publications
Patient Resources
What is the definition of addiction?
Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.
Prevention efforts and treatment approaches for addiction are generally as successful as those for other chronic diseases.
What is an Addiction Specialist?
Addiction specialists are addiction medicine physicians and addiction psychiatrists who hold either subspecialty board certification in addiction medicine.
How to find an Addiction Specialist?
To find an ASAM physician, search the ASAM Physician Directory.
Every person has different needs when it comes to addiction treatment. By starting at the right level of care you can greatly increase the chances of success.
Take this free
Opioid Addiction Treatment: A Guide for Patients, Families, and Friends
This patient guide includes information on assessment, treatment overview (including treatment plans, patient participation, and counseling), and all the medications available to treat opioid use and overdose. It also provides links to find a provider and support groups for patients and families.
This guide is a useful tool for clinicians to provide to their patients and their families, along with a resource for pharmacies and patient groups looking to inform people about their options to treat the challenging disease of addiction involving opioid use.
For bulk orders or customized printing of the guide, contact Chris at 386.383.4296 and cwise@guidelinecentral.com.
Tratamiento de la adicción a los opioides: una guía para pacientes, familiares y amigos
For bulk orders or customized printing of the guide contact Chris at 386.383.4296 and cwise@guidelinecentral.com
This pocket guide is for drug court participants who may be prescribed or considering medication as a part of addiction treatment, as well as their families and support systems, including peer mentors, recovery coaches, and peer recovery specialists. It was jointly produced by the American Society of Addiction Medicine and the National Association of Drug Court Professionals.
How to Find Treatment
Patient and Family Support Groups
This is not a complete list. Listing here does not mean the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) endorses any of the organizations.
Some support groups are for people with substance use disorders, and others allow families and friends to attend meetings or have separate meetings for them.
913.991.2703
800.811.4142
212.595.NAMA (6262)
323.666.4295
866.951.5357
215.536.8026