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By Friday, April 7!: Requesting comment on the term "preaddiction"

News Date: Wednesday, April 5, 2023 - 12:45

Thank you to all who have replied to APA’s request for information re: the term “preaddiction.” I received many thoughtful replies and am working to summarize them for APA. If you haven’t done so already and would like to comment, please do so by Friday morning. APA has requested an earlier reply from our Division. Email below for reference. Many thanks!

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SoAP is working with APA to compile a response to NIH’s query about using the term “preaddiction” to refer to substance misuse and/or early-stage substance use disorder within healthcare settings (seeMcLellan, Koob & Volkow, 2022 for more context). If you feel you have the relevant expertise, might you be willing to send me your thoughts about the proposed term by April 7th? It doesn’t have to be a lengthy reply. APA wants to know if members are in support of this term and why/why not. If you send me your thoughts, I can consolidate everyone’s feedback and send to APA. Alternatively, you’re welcome to submit your own public comments to NIH here.

Specifically, the NIH seeks comments on any of the following topics:

  • How and whether to define preaddiction (or a similar term) across different classes of substances and across different age groups
  • The potential impact, both positive and negative, of a concept like preaddiction on different populations and on treatment seeking and use of harm-reduction services
  • The potential impact of the use of a term like preaddiction in clinical practice (e.g., screening, brief intervention, referral, and treatment)
  • Other terminology that may resonate with patients to describe potentially clinically significant substance misuse and/or early-stage substance use disorder and motivate interventions
  • Whether a term like preaddiction should be applied to mild SUD per the DSM-5 and/or to moderate SUD per the DSM-5
  • Whether a term like preaddiction should be applied to any problematic substance use prior to meeting criteria for SUD per the DSM-5, such as substance use by adolescents, driving under the influence of drugs, or other potentially risky behaviors 
  • Optimal interventions and outcomes for people with preaddiction 
  • Barriers to the adoption of the concept of preaddiction in health care, research, the advocacy community, and general public

Appreciate your insights!