New ASAM Handbook of Addiction Medicine, Third Edition, Aims to Help Primary Care Providers Confidently Treat Addiction

Physicians cite a lack of skills and knowledge among the top reasons for not treating addiction. To help address this knowledge gap, the handbook provides practical, evidence-based strategies for managing the care of patients with addiction. This includes relevant information on medications for addiction treatment, treatment protocols for specific drug classes, and ethical and legal considerations, among other resources.  

"The goal of the handbook is to equip current and future non-addiction specialist clinicians with the knowledge and confidence to treat patients with addiction,” said Michael I. Fingerhood, MD, co-editor of the ASAM Handbook of Addiction Medicine, Third Edition, and professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “Millions of Americans live with a substance use disorder, so it’s crucial that we have a workforce that is knowledgeable and comfortable in treating this patient population with the latest evidence-based practices.” 

Data from the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health show that 48.4 million Americans aged 12 or older had a SUD in the past year. Yet only 5.9 million (12.3%) received treatment, demonstrating a significant treatment gap. To address this, the handbook provides guidance on treatment regimens and strategies for establishing rapport with patients to create treatment goals.  

"Primary care clinicians are often the only contact point with the healthcare system for many patients, putting them in a prime position to identify substance use disorders and help their patients develop an appropriate treatment plan,” said Darius A. Rastegar, MD, co-editor of the handbook and professor of clinical medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “The long-term relationships that primary care clinicians develop with their patients also set them up well to motivate patients throughout their treatment and recovery journey.” 

The ASAM Handbook of Addiction Medicine, Third Edition, is available here.  

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