© 2016 American Society of Addiction Medicine. All rights reserved. ASAM.org
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INTRODUCTION
Addiction is a worldwide problem that affects many different
people, their families, and communities. In 2014, about 435,000
Americans ages 12 or older reported currently using heroin, and
4.3 million reported nonmedical use of prescription opioids.
Addiction is a chronic disease, like diabetes or heart disease,
meaning there is no cure. But addiction can be managed, and
people with addiction can, and do, recover.
Treatment using safe and helpful methods provided by trained
clinicians can lead to a healthy, positive way of life. This
healthy way of life is referred to as recovery. Treatment with a
medication along with counseling and other support is often the
most effective choice for opioid addiction and part of recovery.
This document provides facts about treatment from The
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) – the leading
medical society for addiction treatment. Learn more about ASAM
at www.ASAM.org.
DEFINITION OF ADDICTION
*
Addiction is a chronic brain disease in which a person regularly
finds and uses drugs, or regularly does something (such as
gambling) despite the negative things that can happen. It is a
brain disease because addiction can change how the brain works.
Besides harming a person's health, it can change how someone
thinks and feels. This may last a long time, lead to other harmful
actions, and cause difficult relationships with family and
friends. Without treatment and recovery, addiction may keep
getting worse.
*Modified from ASAM Definition of Addiction
www.asam.org/for-the-public/definition-of-addiction
