Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual's life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.
Prevention efforts and treatment approaches for addiction are generally as successful as those for other chronic diseases.
Addiction can be, but is not always, associated with unhealthy substance use. Many substances associated with addiction, such as tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs, are regulated on the federal and state levels in different ways and to varying degrees. Below you will find resources to help you advocate for increased access to addiction treatment services as well as ASAM’s policy positions on current policy issues.