The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has updated their definition of addiction. The new definition takes into account the complex biological, social, psychological and environmental aspects of the disease in an attempt to help others better understand it. In its entirety, the new definition is:
“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.”
See ASAM Video
Submitted by Lisa Callahan, PhD., ARCHway director
