What is Addiction?

From the American Society of Addiction Medicine:

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.

What is Addiction Medicine?

Addiction Medicine is the field of medicine concerned with the prevention and treatment of behavioral and substance addictions. In 2016, the American Board of Medical Specialties officially recognized Addiction Medicine as a medical subspecialty with board certification for physicians available under the American Board of Preventive Medicine.

How is Addiction treated?

Addiction can be treated through a variety of approaches. Often, a combination of multiple interventions is most successful. Individual and group therapy, 12-step programs, and medications are just a few examples. FDA-approved medications are available for the treatment of tobacco, alcohol, and opioid use disorders. Treatment may take place in different settings such as outpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, or residential. There is no single path to recovery, and each person should received an individualized treatment plan in partnership with their provider.

Where can I find treatment?

Search our Hawaii Addiction Treatment Directory to browse treatment options by island, population served, treatment setting or type, and board-certified physicians.