Understanding Addiction: USC’s Master of Addiction Science Program

The prevalence of addiction in our society is undeniable. From smoking to substance abuse, addiction poses significant challenges to public health. Recognizing the need for comprehensive education and research in this field, the University of Southern California (USC) offers a unique program: the Master of Addiction Science (MAS). We delve into the insights of MAS student Weiyi Xiang and the program co-director, Terry Church, DRSc, MA, MS,  to understand the significance of this innovative program.

Weiyi Xiang: Nurturing a Passion for Addiction Science

Weiyi Xiang, currently in his second semester of the MAS program, shares his journey into addiction science. His initial intrigue stemmed from the observation of addiction’s pervasive presence in everyday life. “Nobody around me is talking about addiction,” said Xiang. “But I see it in everyday life–smoking, tobacco, weed, and other substances. I have been interested in studying public health and psychology and I wanted to get into this area of study to learn more about it.” He underscores the importance of understanding addiction’s complexities to address it effectively at a societal level.

Xiang’s research interests and current endeavors offer a glimpse into the program’s interdisciplinary nature. Having previously worked on projects analyzing the impact of emotional stressors on suicidal ideation, he now focuses on exploring the relationship between personality traits and nicotine use in his Research Methods in Addiction Science course. Collaborating with his peers, Xiang aims to shed light on the psychological factors influencing addictive behaviors.

Nobody around me is talking about addiction,” said Xiang. “But I see it in everyday life–smoking, tobacco, weed, and other substances. I have been interested in studying public health and psychology and I wanted to get into this area of study to learn more about it.

“Our goal is to determine which kinds of personality traits are more likely to be connected to nicotine dependency and learn how smoking behaviors are influenced by stress. We will also focus on which personality traits may be associated with resistance to nicotine use. Wehope to recruit 500 participants between the ages of 18 and30 through online media. Participants will complete a personality test and answer questions about nicotine use.”

Looking ahead, Xiang envisions a career dedicated to research and education in addiction science. His long-term goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, specializing in addiction. By disseminating knowledge and fostering awareness, he aims to mitigate the prevalence of substance use disorders in society.

Terry Church, DRSc, MA, MS: Advocating for Comprehensive Addiction Education

Terry Church is the co-director of the MAS program and an assistant professor of regulatory and quality sciences at the USC Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Church articulates the program’s ethos and significance in addressing addiction challenges. ForChurch, teaching is a profound source of fulfillment, especially witnessing moments of epiphany among students.

I wanted to give back and potentially help others like myself who wanted to know more and needed practical and pragmatic information about addiction,” said Church. “Through this program, I am able to give back and help educate the next generation of scientists, researchers, clinicians, and advocates in addiction.

His journey into the addiction field stems from personal experience and academic curiosity. Reflecting on a family member’s overdose during his adolescence, Church felt compelled to delve deeper into the complexities of addiction. He emphasizes the need for pragmatic education that goes beyond conventional narratives, aiming to equip individuals with practical insights into addiction and recovery.

“I wanted to understand the who, what, where, when, and why addiction had happened. It pushed me to go beyond the ‘Just say no’ rhetoric and after-school specials that were prominent in my youth to learn more about addiction and recovery, said Church. “I realized early on that the materials and education provided were not optimal. I wanted to give back and potentially help others like myself who wanted to know more and needed practical and pragmatic information about addiction. Through this program, I am able to give back and help educate the next generation of scientists, researchers, clinicians, and advocates in addiction.”

Church illuminates the rationale behind studying addiction and advocates for a transdisciplinary approach. By integrating diverse perspectives, the MAS program offers a holistic understanding of addiction, preparing students to tackle this multifaceted issue effectively.

What sets the MAS program apart is its interdisciplinary curriculum, encompassing biological, psychological, and social dimensions of addiction. Graduates emerge equipped with a diverse skill set, poised to make significant contributions across various fields, including policy, public health, and medicine.

Empowering Change: The Role of MAS Graduates

The MAS program at USC empowers graduates to confront the addiction crisis comprehensively. Armed with a deep understanding of addiction science, graduates can effect change across multiple domains, from policy formulation to clinical practice.

As Weiyi Xiang and Terry Church exemplify, the MAS program not only fosters academic growth but also instills a sense of responsibility toward addressing societal challenges. Through collaborative efforts and a transdisciplinary approach, MAS graduates are poised to be agents of change in combating addiction’s pervasive impact.

USC’s Master of Addiction Science program stands as a beacon of hope in the fight against addiction. By nurturing a new generation of professionals equipped with interdisciplinary insights and a passion for social impact, the MAS program embodies the collective commitment to creating a healthier, addiction-free society.

To learn more about the program and the application process, click here.