From its beginnings in the 1950s as a small group of physicians committed to addressing alcoholism, American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has evolved into the nation’s leading organization for advancing addiction treatment and recovery. Reestablished under its current name in 1989, ASAM’s mission centers on improving access to quality care, educating providers and the public, and promoting evidence-based approaches to treatment.
By 2010, that mission was thriving—but behind the scenes, ASAM’s financial systems were struggling to keep pace with its growth. When the new CEO came aboard, she quickly realized the organization needed a stronger operational foundation. Her audit exposed deeper accounting challenges, and ASAM faced a pivotal moment: rebuild their financial foundation or risk losing operational stability. That’s when they turned to Chazin.
Improving Access, Outcomes, and Hope for Millions
The organization’s impact is both far-reaching and measurable. ASAM’s clinical guidelines and ASAM Criteria—the nation’s most widely used framework for assessing and treating substance use disorders—have improved patient outcomes, including a 9% increase in treatment retention among residential programs that apply them. The society’s advocacy has helped expand the workforce, with more than 5,600 certified addiction medicine specialists now serving communities nationwide. And through ongoing education, ASAM continues to close the treatment gap for the nearly 48 million Americans living with substance use disorders, most of whom still lack access to care.
The numbers tell a compelling story of recovery and progress, proof that ASAM’s standards and advocacy are transforming care in tangible ways:
- 30% higher patient retention rates at 3 months.
- Significant improvements in patient engagement and follow-up.
- 2–3 times better multidimensional outcomes at 3 months.
- Lower rates of substance use post treatment.
While the data underscore their influence, the heart of ASAM’s mission remains human: to ensure that every person facing addiction receives compassionate, high-quality medical care. It’s a mission that continues to grow in both urgency and impact.
Strengthening Operations Through Expert Partnership
Since joining ASAM in 2011, Chief Operating Officer Carolyn Lanham has witnessed tremendous growth and transformation within the organization. What began as a team of just 14 staff members and a $3 million budget has expanded to more than 60 staff and a $14 million operation serving 8,500 members nationwide. That kind of growth required more than passion—it demanded structure, clarity, and the right financial foundation to sustain it.
Restoring Order and Setting the Standard
That foundation began to take shape when Chazin first came on board in 2010 under then–CEO Penny Mills. At the time, ASAM’s accounting processes were in disarray. “They basically started from scratch as if we were a new business,” Carolyn recalls. Adele and the Chazin team worked closely with ASAM’s leadership to redefine accounting policies, internal structure, and financial processes—setting a foundation for accurate, efficient, and compliant operations.
“They basically started from scratch as if we were a new business…They were so helpful.” – Carolyn Lanham, COO, ASAM
With a new structure in place and Chazin managing the numbers, ASAM could stay focused on the people.
Expertise That Grows with You
Over the past decade, ASAM has expanded into federal grant management, now overseeing approximately $2 million in grants. Chazin guided ASAM through the complexities of grant accounting and compliance, giving staff the structure and confidence to expand federal funding without added stress. The annual NICRA application is also done year after year by Chazin, allowing Carolyn to focus on other operations.
Audits are no stress either with all documents prepared and ready to go before they’re even needed. “They anticipate our audit needs before we even receive our auditor’s list,” Carolyn notes, highlighting Chazin’s proactive approach.
To modernize ASAM’s financial infrastructure, Chazin implemented and trained ASAM’s team on tools like the Martus Budgeting Tool and Sage Intacct, integrating automation that improved forecasting accuracy, visibility, and accountability across departments.
That visibility proved critical in early 2025 when federal funding was suddenly frozen. In a same-day scramble, ASAM and Chazin quickly assessed expenditures, ensuring compliance and preparing a financial snapshot within hours. Together, they pivoted to a more abbreviated drawdown period, helping stabilize cash flow and safeguard operations amid uncertainty.
Beyond numbers, Chazin’s steady partnership has lifted the administrative weight from ASAM’s internal team. From managing reconciliations and preparing audit schedules to guiding strategic financial planning, Chazin has provided both the tools and the expertise to keep ASAM financially secure, resilient, and mission-focused—no matter what challenges arise.
Enabling ASAM to Focus on Mission Over Numbers
For Carolyn, Chazin’s support has been about more than numbers—it’s about enabling her to focus on her primary role overseeing finance, HR, IT, marketing, and membership. “A lot of my time has been freed up because I can trust Chazin,” she says. “Their expertise allows us to be more efficient, save time, and focus on advancing our mission.”
Reliable Partnership. Expanding Mission.
Whether managing federal grants, updating policies, or supporting everyday financial operations, Chazin’s team has proven flexible, responsive, and reliable. Carolyn emphasizes, “Chazin has helped us grow with confidence, ensuring we can pursue grants, manage compliance, and operate efficiently—all while allowing our team to focus on the work that matters most.”
Today, ASAM stands as both a national leader in addiction medicine and a testament to what mission-driven organizations can achieve with the right financial foundation. With Chazin’s continued partnership, they’re positioned not only to sustain their mission, but to expand it—one patient, one provider, one community at a time.
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