October 2011 Issue From the Editor

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From the Editor - From the Editor

Written by Ann Gossy, Editor

Wednesday, 05 October 2011 12:58

Dear Readers,

I am thrilled to join the magazine at this exciting time in the addiction field. In my first few weeks on board, the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), the nation’s largest professional society of physicians dedicated to treating and preventing addiction, released an important policy statement redefining addiction as a chronic brain disease and not a problem solely related to active substance abuse or poor choices.

To quote their short definition:

Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors.

Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, and craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death.

The release of the policy statement generated media attention with headlines claiming “A Radical New View of Addiction Stirs Scientific Storm.” I see the announcement as further confirmation by the medical community of the “disease concept,” which is widely accepted within the addiction and recovery communities and was introduced back in 1939 in relation to alcohol, when the book Alcoholics Anonymous was first published. In 1956 the American Medical Association (AMA) declared that alcoholism was an illness. Now, fifty-five years later, ASAM’s updated definition of addiction encompasses all forms of addiction including non-substance addictions such as gambling and sex.

In the “Addiction News” column of this issue, Stuart Gitlow, MD, MPH, MBA, acting president of ASAM, explains the keys to understanding the new definition. He astutely notes, “Addiction as a disease classification has suffered almost as much as our patients with the disease have over the years.” I encourage you to read Dr. Gitlow’s article to gain perspective and a clear understanding of the new definition. ASAM members have championed the effort to recognize addiction as a primary and chronic disease.

As the new editor of Counselor Magazine, I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with the top experts in the field of addiction treatment and to serve everyone affected by addiction. Please contact me with your thoughts, issues of concern, letters and articles. I look forward to contributing to your professional expertise and providing you with sound, practical and empowering information you can use.

Sincerely,

ann-mag-optimized