For Professor Adam Leventhal, the study of addiction isn’t just academic. It’s personal. Today, the USC addiction research expert is at the forefront of a world-class network, but his passion stems from his own experiences in the smoky haze of 1990s San Diego.

Leventhal, now a University Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences and Psychology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, vividly remembers being a “kid cigarette smoker.” Much like the students he works to help today, he struggled to break free from tobacco. He also witnessed friends spiral into deeper dependencies, including methamphetamine use.

“At a young age, I wanted to understand what compels a nice, intelligent person to repeatedly engage in an action they know is bad for their health, and damages their relationships, friendships and other aspects of their life,” says Leventhal, reflecting on his early curiosity.

Building a Hub for Addiction Science at USC

Leventhal’s formative experiences laid the foundation for a remarkable career. Today, he leads the USC Institute for Addiction Science (IAS), an interdisciplinary powerhouse with 80 faculty members spanning 10 schools, colleges and hospitals across the university. This collective examines everything from nicotine to digital media overuse, opioids to alcohol-associated liver disease.

After joining USC in 2009, Leventhal’s academic focus deepened in 2010 when a family crisis struck close to home. His brother confided in him about a struggle with opioid use disorder and a near-overdose. For Leventhal, it was a painful wake-up call.

“He’s my best friend. I’m a clinical psychologist and supposed to be someone who can ‘spot’ addiction — and I totally missed it,” Leventhal admits. “I’m grateful that he took my encouragement to go into treatment right away.”

Determined to make a broader impact, Leventhal began gathering like-minded colleagues from across disciplines, proposing a research centre to university leadership. With their support, he built the USC Institute for Addiction Science, now recognised as a leader in the field. IAS member John Monterosso remarks, “Adam has built something that has created tremendous value out of thin air. The Institute for Addiction Science has become a premier centre that researchers at other universities are looking to emulate.”

USC Addiction Research in Action

The scope of USC addiction research is vast and built on collaboration. Members of IAS address causes, consequences and interventions for a range of behaviours and substances. Projects are as varied as:

• Studying how employment insecurity influences substance use across generations (Dr Olivia Lee).
• Developing new compounds and supplements to reduce alcohol consumption and protect the liver (Dr Daryl Davies).
• Tackling the impact of binge drinking among college students through digital interventions (Dr Eric Pedersen).
• Shaping policies on cannabis and public health worldwide (Professor Rosalie Pacula).

The IAS draws on expertise in pharmacology, psychology, policy, public health, engineering and more. Funding for addiction-related research at USC has seen some years double compared to the institute’s inaugural year, reflecting increasing innovation and impact.

Adam Leventhal: Addiction Expert and Changemaker

Supported by more than $75 million in research grants, Leventhal’s own work addresses urgent topics like the proliferation of electronic cigarettes and the effects of their marketing on youth. His landmark 2019 study documented widespread use of flavoured e-cigarettes among U.S. teenagers, helping drive new federal regulations.

His influence is far-reaching. In 2020, Leventhal was chosen to serve on the FDA’s Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee, lending his expertise to national policy. And the professional accolades keep building—in March, the American Academy of Health Behavior will honour Leventhal as its 2025 Research Laureate Award winner.

Towards Personalised Addiction Care

Leventhal and the IAS remain driven by a vision of compassionate, advanced care. The next ambition? Creating a game-changing, science-based addiction treatment centre at USC.

“Addiction is stigmatised and lags behind other diseases when it comes to care. Many suffer and die prematurely, which is unnecessary and unfair,” Leventhal explains. “We know there is not a single route to recovery. Addiction treatment can be personalised and executed with precision, and it should be made accessible to everyone.”

He aspires to centre holistic care, early intervention, and innovative technology. “Like the best cancer centres, we hope to build an addiction care centre that uses AI-based algorithms to match people with the best treatments, and includes early intervention before someone hits ‘rock bottom’. The goal is to create a place where science, treatment and prevention come together to improve lives.”

The Future of Addiction Science at USC

By uniting passionate scientists, clinicians and policymakers, Adam Leventhal and his colleagues are reshaping how addiction is studied and treated. The USC Institute for Addiction Science stands as a testament to collaborative impact and a hub for new ideas in prevention, intervention and science-led care.

The story of Leventhal’s work is one of progress made possible by people willing to tackle tough problems together. For every figure in public health whose expertise is rooted in both scientific rigor and lived experience, meaningful change becomes possible—not only for the next generation of students, but for families and communities throughout the world.

Source: USC Today