Previous references specific to Addiction Medicine terms have been removed from this website and will be updated by current definitions as they become available and approved by the CSAM Board.
Addiction (2011 Definition from the American Society of Addiction Medicine [ASAM] Adopted temporarily on 2011-Oct 5 through a motion by the CSAM Board of Directors) -
“Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors.
Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one's behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death.”
Please note the following:
– A diagnosis of this condition must be based on a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment.
– Awareness of the developmental aspects of addiction as well as the impact of gender and socio-cultural factors is also required.
– It is recognized that a significant portion of society’s burden attributable to misuse or harmful use of substance, such as intoxication or traffic accidents as well as from other behaviors may occur in the absence of addiction.