ASAM Policy Principles
ASAM believes in a future in which addiction prevention, treatment, remission, and recovery are accessible to all, and where they profoundly improve the health of all people. The following principles guide our advocacy and shape ASAM's advocacy priorities:
- Addiction policy should be guided by - and promote the use of - the latest science and best practices in addiction prevention, treatment, remission, and recovery. People with addiction deserve compassionate, evidence-based care that addresses the chronic nature of the disease of addiction.
- Strategic and multifaceted policy solutions are needed to drive the development of a more accessible, effective, robust, and comprehensive addiction prevention and treatment infrastructure.
- Policies and payment systems should ensure equitable access to comprehensive, high-quality addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
- Policy should challenge, rather than enforce, cultural misunderstanding, stigma and discrimination about the disease of addiction.
- Addiction policy and advocacy should respect and integrate the perspectives of people with addiction and their families.