American Society of Addiction Medicine

American Society of Addiction Medicine

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) is a professional society dedicated to increasing access and improving the quality of addiction treatment, educating physicians and the public, supporting research and prevention, and promoting the appropriate role of physicians in the care of patients with addiction. Founded in 1954, ASAM is a 501(c)(6) professional medical society representing over 6,000 physicians, clinicians, and associated professionals in the field of addiction medicine.

History

ASAM was originally established as the New York Society of Alcoholism by a group of physicians concerned about the treatment of alcoholism. The organization expanded its focus to include addiction to other substances and changed its name to reflect the broader scope of interest. Over the decades, ASAM has played a pivotal role in advancing the field of addiction medicine, including the development of a certification process for physicians specializing in addiction medicine, the publication of influential textbooks and guidelines, and advocacy for policy changes at the national level.

Mission and Vision

The mission of ASAM is to promote the appropriate role of physicians in the care of patients with addiction, advance the practice of addiction medicine, and increase access to high-quality addiction treatment. ASAM's vision is a future where addiction prevention, treatment, remission, and recovery are accessible to all, and profoundly improve the health of all people.

Certification

ASAM plays a crucial role in the certification of addiction medicine physicians. Through its affiliate, the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM), it offers a certification process that recognizes physicians who meet specific educational, training, and professional standards in addiction medicine. This certification is an important step in ensuring that patients receive care from knowledgeable and skilled providers.

Publications and Resources

ASAM publishes a variety of resources aimed at both professionals and the public. These include:

- The ASAM Criteria: A collection of guidelines for the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction. It is widely used as a standard for determining the appropriate level of care for patients with addiction. - Journal of Addiction Medicine: The official journal of ASAM, which publishes research, reviews, and clinical studies on all aspects of addiction medicine. - Educational materials and guidelines for the treatment of addiction, including opioid addiction treatment guidelines.

Advocacy

ASAM is actively involved in advocacy efforts to improve addiction treatment and policy. The society works at both the state and federal levels to advocate for policies that increase access to addiction treatment, support research in addiction medicine, and promote the integration of addiction treatment into mainstream healthcare.

Membership

Membership in ASAM is open to physicians, clinicians, and professionals in the addiction field. Members benefit from access to educational resources, networking opportunities, and discounts on ASAM publications and events.

See Also

• Addiction medicine
• Substance use disorder
• Opioid use disorder
• Alcohol use disorder