Cumberland Heights Treatment Center
Nashville, TN

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ASAM Releases New
Definition of Addiction

Following is an excerpt of a release from the American Society of Addiction Medicine regarding new findings in the study of the disease of addiction:

Addiction is a chronic brain disease, not just bad behavior or bad choices

"The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has released a new definition of addiction highlighting that addiction is a chronic brain disorder and not simply a behavioral problem involving too much alcohol, drugs, gambling or sex. This the first time ASAM has taken an official position that addiction is not solely related to problematic substance use."

"The new definition resulted from an intensive, four-year process with more than 80 experts actively working on it, including top addiction authorities, addiction medicine clinicians and leading neuroscience researchers from across the country. The full governing board of ASAM and chapter presidents from many states took part, and there was extensive dialogue with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)."

"The new definition also describes addiction as a primary disease, meaning that it's not the result of other causes such as emotional or psychiatric problems. Addiction is also recognized as a chronic disease, like cardiovascular disease or diabetes, so it must be treated, managed and monitored over a life-time."
Please follow the following link for the complete article:

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-08/asoa-arn072111.php

Cumberland Heights is a not for profit corporation located in Nashville, Tennessee committed to the tradition of providing the highest quality care possible, in a cost effective manner, for persons and their families who are at risk for, or who are suffering from the disease of chemical dependency. Treatment encompasses the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of recovery by offering a safe, loving and healing environment, combining professional excellence and the principles of the Twelve Steps.