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In 1956, the American Medical Association declared alcoholism a "disease."
More than half a century later, the American Society of Addiction Medicine
(ASAM) has proclaimed addiction, including alcoholism and "process"
addictions like gambling, to be the same.
More than half a century later, the American Society of Addiction Medicine
(ASAM) has proclaimed addiction, including alcoholism and "process"
addictions like gambling, to be the same.
According to the ASAM's definition, published on the group's website
on Monday, addiction is a "primary, chronic disease of brain reward,
motivation, memory and related circuitry." This clarification, which
was based on consultations with more than 80 experts, is aimed in part
at de-stigmatizing addictive disorders.
on Monday, addiction is a "primary, chronic disease of brain reward,
motivation, memory and related circuitry." This clarification, which
was based on consultations with more than 80 experts, is aimed in part
at de-stigmatizing addictive disorders.
That's an admirable goal. The scientific evidence shows that addiction
is rooted in distinct brain changes, just like other mental illnesses such
as depression (though in both instances, the same changes are not found
in all people with the conditions). The research does clearly show that
evidence-based treatment is far more effective at resolving drug abuse
problems than law enforcement efforts like incarceration. There's no
justification for treating people with addiction any differently than other patients.
is rooted in distinct brain changes, just like other mental illnesses such
as depression (though in both instances, the same changes are not found
in all people with the conditions). The research does clearly show that
evidence-based treatment is far more effective at resolving drug abuse
problems than law enforcement efforts like incarceration. There's no
justification for treating people with addiction any differently than other patients.
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