✨ MEET THE TEAM! ❤️💛 We're excited to introduce the incredible students who make up the USC Institute for Addiction Science team! 🧠🔬 Our student team brings together diverse backgrounds in research, public health, and creative communication to make addiction science more accessible and impactful in our communities! 👉 Swipe to meet our amazing team members and learn a little more about them! #USCAddictionScience #MeetTheTeam #USCResearch #AddictionScience #StudentSpotlight

October is Substance Use Prevention Month! ❤️💛 As October comes to an end, we want to take a moment to highlight the importance of prevention through awareness, education, and breaking down misinformation. 🧠🔬 We're busting common myths about vaping, cannabis, and nicotine pouches to help young people make informed decisions. 👉 Swipe to separate MYTH from FACT! #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth #USCAddictionScience #PreventionMatters #YouthPrevention #AddictionScience

Today, IAS welcomed a delegation of leaders from Mexico through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program! An engaging exchange of perspectives on combating fentanyl and synthetic drugs through research, prevention, public policy, and cross-border collaboration. #AddictionScience #USC

#AddictionScienceSnippets of the week highlights “Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults With Daily Cigarette Use A Randomized Clinical Trial” by Michael Bremmer, Michael Paladino, Georgios Kostantinis, Thomas Gilmore, Neil Sullivan, Amanda Tow, Sarah Dermody, Robyn Jordan, Sherry McKee, Paul Fletcher, Eric Claus, Klara Klein, and #IASMembers Mark Prince and Christian Hendershot! 🎉 Read the full article here (link also in our bio): tr.ee/ILdLiOxE7c #usc #IAS #Addiction

MYTH or FACT? 🧠🔍 Test your knowledge of addiction, recovery, and harm reduction in Part 2 of our Myth or Fact series! From evidence-based treatments to the brain’s ability to heal, understanding the facts helps reduce stigma and support recovery. How many did you get right? Let us know in the comments! 👇 #USCAddictionScience #HarmReduction #AddictionRecovery

New paper led by @irelandshute featuring work conducted in The CANNEX. We explored how budtenders and young adults perceive and communicate harm reduction strategies. Findings highlight opportunities for harm reduction education in dispensaries. @IASatUSC link.springer.com/article/10…

📢 The USC Institute for Addiction Science’s 2025–2026 Annual Report is here! From groundbreaking addiction research to community partnerships and student achievements, this year has been filled with exciting progress! With 208 scientific publications, $27 million in addiction-related grants awarded, and 100 faculty members, IAS continues to advance addiction science through research, education, and community engagement. We invite you to explore the full report to learn more about this year’s accomplishments, ongoing initiatives, and collective efforts to advance addiction science and improve public health. #USCAddictionScience #AddictionResearch #AnnualReport

Today, the USC Institute for Addiction Science welcomes Dr. Kirstin Aschbacher for our 2026 Distinguished Speaker Series! In her talk, “Clinical Frameworks for AI Safety: Multi-Turn Benchmarking Across Escalating Severity,” Dr. Aschbacher explores how clinical frameworks can help evaluate AI responses, identify potential risks, and improve safety in mental health applications. #AddictionScience #AISafety #MentalHealth #USC

Join us for our 2026 Distinguished Speaker Series featuring Kirstin Aschbacher, PhD, AI/ML Data Scientist in Health & Wellness Consulting! Dr. Aschbacher will explore the safety of AI chatbots when conversations turn serious, raising important questions about the role of artificial intelligence in mental health and well-being. 📅 October 14, 2026 ⏰ 12–1 PM Swipe to learn more about this upcoming discussion! #DistinguishedSpeakerSeries #ArtificialIntelligence #MentalHealth

MYTH or FACT? 🧠 How much do you really know about addiction? Common misconceptions about substance use, dependence, and recovery can contribute to stigma and misunderstanding. Join USC Institute for Addiction Science as we debunk common myths, explore the science behind addiction, and highlight the importance of evidence-based information in supporting recovery! #AddictionScience #MythOrFact #USCIAS

Please join us in congratulating Jillian Boelke, LFMT, on receiving the Keck School of Medicine STAR Award! As the IAS Education and Program Implementation Coordinator, Jillian plays an integral role in supporting our education programs, advancing program growth, and serving as a trusted advisor and resource for IAS students. The STAR Award recognizes Keck School of Medicine employees who demonstrate exceptional service, dedication, and excellence. We are proud to celebrate Jillian’s commitment to student success and the meaningful contributions she makes to the IAS community every day. Congratulations, Jillian! ⭐️❤️ #usc #IAS #AddictionScience

#AddictionScienceSnippets of the week highlights “Differential mortality among US veterans: Social determinants of health, substance use disorder, and substance use treatment” by Kashfi Pandit, Aerin deRussy, Gala True, Ann Montgomery, and #IASMember John Blosnich! 🎉 Read the full article here (link also in our bio): tr.ee/ILdLiOxE7c #usc #IAS #Addiction

Today, we celebrate every story, every journey, and every path to recovery. From prevention and treatment to support and healing, recovery looks different for everyone. International Recovery Day reminds us of the strength of individuals in recovery, the loved ones who stand beside them, and the communities working to make recovery possible. On International Recovery Day, we celebrate progress, honor resilience, and share hope with everyone impacted by addiction and mental health challenges. Recovery is possible, and no one has to walk the journey alone. #InternationalRecoveryDay #RecoveryMonth #IAS #USCTrojans #AddictionScience #RecoveryIsPossible

Today, we recognize the professionals working every day to change lives and strengthen communities. From research and prevention to treatment, recovery, and advocacy, addiction professionals play a vital role in advancing the field, reducing stigma, and supporting individuals and families affected by addiction. On National Addiction Professionals Day, we celebrate their expertise, compassion, and commitment to creating healthier, more hopeful communities. #NationalAddictionProfessionalsDay #USCTrojans #IAS #SubstanceUsePrevention #AddictionScience #ThankYouAddictionProfessionals

Early access to our published paper in BMC Psychology detailing the protocol for a randomized controlled trial evaluating telehealth delivery of the Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) program. @UHouston @IASatUSC link.springer.com/article/10…

Our new paper documents 12 month outcomes from a randomized controlled trial of a brief online intervention to reduce #alcohol misuse and promote treatment initiation among #veterans. @IASatUSC @RANDCorporation @USCPsychiatry pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4247…

#AddictionScienceSnippets of the week highlights “Alcohol-Related Liver Disease: A Review” by Aleksander Krag, Fredrik Aberg, Jessica Mellinger, Mads Israelsen, and #IASMembers Brian Lee!🎉 Read the full article here (link also in our bio): tr.ee/ILdLiOxE7c #usc #IAS #Addiction

Another #Narcan training run by @HOPE_sci_lab! Proud of @beeotaibi and Sneha Krish, @KECKSchool_USC MS2’s Ayaan Ekram & Negin Samandari, & all of our @USC med student volunteers. Thanks to @CommunityHeal17 & @IASatUSC for providing free #Narcan & @ChildrensLA Dept of Surgery

Groundbreaking news from USC: researchers have received funding to launch the university’s first clinical study of psilocybin-assisted therapy, exploring how mindfulness training may enhance mental health outcomes. Congratulations to IAS members Dr. Rael Cahn and Dr. Caryn Lerman, who are helping lead this innovative effort at the intersection of neuroscience, mental health, and behavioral science. Read more: Keck School of Medicine of USC article #MentalHealth #Neuroscience #PsychedelicScience #Research