CSAM Policy Platform

Advancing Evidence-Based Addiction Policy in California

The California Society of Addiction Medicine (CSAM) advances public policy that improves access to compassionate, evidence-based addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery services across California. As an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional medical society, CSAM brings the experience of addiction medicine physicians and other health professionals into legislative and regulatory discussions affecting patients, families, clinicians, and communities.

Our Policy Approach

CSAM evaluates public policy through the lens of science, patient well-being, health equity, and access to high-quality care. Our policy and advocacy work supports practical solutions that reduce stigma, strengthen systems of care, and recognize addiction as a treatable medical condition.

Areas of Focus

• Expanding access to evidence-based addiction treatment across California, including underserved and rural communities.
• Supporting prevention, early intervention, harm reduction, treatment, and long-term recovery.
• Reducing insurance, reimbursement, and system-level barriers to substance use disorder care.
• Promoting safe, evidence-based clinical practices and overdose-prevention strategies.
• Supporting equitable public policies that protect the health and dignity of people affected by addiction and their families.

Published Policy Platform

CSAM’s published Public Policy Platform was approved by the CSAM Committee on Public Policy for 2020. It is provided as an archived reference. For information about CSAM’s current public policy and advocacy work, contact cheryl@csam-asam.org.

View the 2020 CSAM Public Policy Platform