ASAM envisions a future when addiction prevention, treatment, remission, and recovery are readily available to everyone, profoundly improving the wellbeing of all people. The following principles shape ASAM's advocacy at all levels:

• Promote Science, Not Stigma. Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease, not a moral weakness. Addiction policy should reflect the latest science and best practices and reject outdated constructs.  
• Build an Infrastructure That Lasts. Addiction policy solutions must be proactive, strategic, and multifaceted to build an addiction care infrastructure that can comprehensively address public health needs, threats, and crises.
• Make Addiction Care a Right. Everyone with addiction deserves compassionate, evidence-based addiction care – no matter who they are or where they live.
• Center Lived Experience. Addiction policy and advocacy should respect, integrate, and elevate the perspectives of people with addiction and their loved ones.