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Media Relations & Resources
Connecting ASAM experts with the media on best practices for treating addiction involving opioids, alcohol, tobacco, stimulants, and other substances.
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On Deadline?
ASAM can connect members of the media with leading addiction medicine and treatment experts. Please email the media relations team for expert availability at press@ASAM.org.
The Definition of Addiction
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.
Understanding Addiction
National Press Foundation training on addiction provides informative and on-demand background on addiction and treatment. Explore a variety of relevant sessions led by leading experts in the field.
Improving the Language of Addiction
The language that members of the media use in their reporting plays a significant role in reducing stigma surrounding addiction and overcoming this critical barrier to treatment. Help us reduce stigma by using the following NIDAMed guidelines for language:
- Words Matter (drugabuse.gov)
- Your Words Matter Language Showing Compassion and Care for Women, Infants, Families, and Communities Impacted by Substance Use Disorder (drugabuse.gov)
Watch:
Improving the Language & Coverage of Addiction - ASAM - YouTube
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