The Definition of Addiction
The following definition is from The American Society of Addiction Medicine or ASAM.
Addiction is a treatable, chronic disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individuals life experiences. People with addictions 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.
Definition of Disease
The Merriam-Webster dictionary provides this definition of disease.
A condition of the living animal or of one of its parts, that impairs normal functioning, and is typically manifested by distinguishing signs and symptoms.
Diagnostic criteria for Substance Use Disorder
Below is an excerpt from The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual fifth edition (DSM-5).
A maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by 2 (or more) of the following, occurring within a 12-month period:
We reduced some of the wording on the following 11 criteria, making it easier to understand.
DSM-5 made easy.
1. Taking the substance in larger amounts or for longer than you meant to:
2. Wanting to cut down or stop using the substance, but not managing to:
3. Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of the substance:
4. Cravings and urges to use the substance:
5. Not keeping up at work, home, or school, because of substance use:
6. Continuing to use, even when it causes problems in relationships:
7. Giving up social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance use:
8. Using substances again and again, even when it puts you or others in danger:
9. Continuing to use, even when you know you have a physical or psychological problem that could have been caused or made worse by the substance:
10. Needing more of the substance to get the effect you want (tolerance):
11. Development of withdrawal symptoms, which can be relieved by taking more of the substance:
Severity specifiers: Mild: 2-3 criteria positive, Moderate 4-5 criteria positive, Severe: 6 or more criteria positive
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
Medications for opioid use disorde (MOUD) is the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. Research shows that a combination of medication and therapy can successfully treat these disorders, and for some people struggling with addiction, MOUD can help sustain recovery. MOUD is primarily used for the treatment of addiction to opioids such as heroin and prescription pain relievers that contain opiates. The prescribed medication operates to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, relieve physiological cravings, and normalize body functions without the negative effects of the abused drug. Medications used in MOUD are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and MOUD programs are clinically driven and tailored to meet each patient’s needs.