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Alcohol, drugs and addictions: programs and services

What is a substance use disorder? 
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines a “substance use disorder” as:

“A medical illness consisting of a cluster of cognitive, behavioral and physiological symptoms caused by repeated use of a substance or substances. Characterized by clinically significant impairments in health, social function, and impaired control over substance use." 

Substance use disorder is common and treatable
Like all diseases, substance use disorder requires the right care. It affects people from all communities and all age groups. Substance use disorder is common, recurrent and often serious, but it is treatable, and many people do recover.

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