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Safe and effective treatments for stimulant use disorder are
available. Treatment by trained clinicians can lead to a healthier
way of life free from the symptoms of stimulant use disorder.
This healthier way of life is referred to as recovery. CM is the
most effective treatment for stimulant use disorder. CM may
be combined with counseling and other support. It may also be
combined with medications.
This document provides information about stimulant use disorder
treatment for patients, families, and friends. It was developed
by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and
American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP), the leading
medical societies for addiction treatment. Learn more about
ASAM at www.ASAM.org and AAAP at www.AAAP.org
DEFINITION OF ADDICTION
*
Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease in which a
person compulsively seeks and uses substances like drugs
or alcohol, or engages in other behaviors (such as gambling)
despite the harms that it causes to their health and/or their
life. It is a brain disease because addiction changes how the
brain works. Addiction impacts areas of the brain that control
motivation, impulse control, reaction to stress, memory, and
decision-making. These changes may last a long time, even
after the person stops using substances. Without treatment
and recovery support, addiction may keep getting worse.
*Modified from ASAM Definition of Addiction
https://www.asam.org/Quality-Science/definition-of-addiction
CONTINGENCY MANAGEMENT (CM)
CM is an evidence-based treatment in which patients get small
rewards to encourage positive behaviors. Cash, vouchers, or
prizes are given for treatment participation or progress.
