South African Addiction Medicine Society
The primary objective of the Society is to promote the ethical and evidence-based practice of addiction medicine in South Africa. The Society is a non profit organization.
Let's make a better South Africa together
The South African Addiction Medicine Society (SAAMS) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing the field of addiction medicine and improving the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities across South Africa. Through education, advocacy, awareness, and professional collaboration, SAAMS works to address the growing impact of addiction on society while promoting compassionate, evidence-based care.
Recognising addiction as a complex and multifaceted condition that affects people from all walks of life, SAAMS advocates for a modern, comprehensive approach to prevention, treatment, and recovery. The organisation is committed to supporting both healthcare practitioners and the broader public through ongoing education, professional development, and access to credible, up-to-date information.
SAAMS embraces a holistic, person-centred approach that considers not only addictive behaviours themselves, but also the underlying biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to and sustain them. Its training and treatment frameworks are informed by current scientific understanding of brain function and neurobiology, while also acknowledging the vital role of emotional wellbeing, relationships, and social environment in the recovery journey.
By partnering with SAAMS, healthcare professionals, organisations, and community members become part of a collective effort to reduce stigma, improve access to effective treatment, and advocate for meaningful policy reform. Together, we can help build a healthier, more informed, and more supportive South Africa.
Services
SAAMS membership is open to all Healthcare Professionals who are registered and in good standing with one of South Africas Healthcare Councils.
The SAAMS Symposium is a conference organized by the South African Addiction Medicine Society, to bring together addiction medicine professional and experts to share knowledge, discuss best practices, and promote advancements in addiction treatment and care.
Guidelines
SAAMS provides guidelines for the pharmacological management of alcohol use disorders & Management of Opioid use disorders.
Training
Dates of training opportunities will be announced as they become available. The next opioid management course is planned as a pre-symposium workshop during the 2025 symposium.
Social Media
SAAMS promotes the ethical and evidence-based practice of addiction medicine in South Africa by sharing informative and educational content, raising awareness about addiction-related issues, providing updates on SAAMS activities and events.
News
Information about current trends in addiction medicine and regular updates on SAAMS activities.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines for Management of Opioid use disorders
- Treatment of withdrawal
- Pharmacological options
- Psychosocial interventions
- Opioid free pharmacotherapy
- In-or-outpatient?
- Relapse prevention
- Psychosocially assisted pharmacotherapy
- Treatment of overdose
Guidelines for Management of alcohol use disorder
- Alcohol use disorder – definition and diagnostic criteria
- Pharmacological management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome
- Criteria for in-patient management
- Guidelines for outpatient withdrawal management
- Relapse prevention
Upcoming Events
August 14th 2026
Venue: Protea Hotel, Wanderers, Johannesburg
Join us for a pre-symposium workshop.
CPD – HPCSA Accredited
August 14th 2026
Venue: Protea Hotel, Wanderers, Johannesburg
Join us for a pre-symposium workshop.
CPD – HPCSA Accredited
August 15th 2026
Venue: Protea Hotel, Wanderers, Johannesburg
SAAMS SYMPOSIUM
Symposium covering a wide range of topics in relation to addiction medicine.
CPD – HPCSA Accredited