• Seton Hall University
• Office of the Provost

While addiction is a perennial human problem, the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic and the associated socio-economic fallout have created what is perhaps an unprecedented crisis in mental health. Data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics indicate there were an estimated 107,622 drug overdose deaths in the United States during 2021, an increase of nearly 15% from the 93,655 deaths estimated in 2020. Overdose deaths had previously risen 30% from 2019 to 2020. This contemporary crisis manifests itself for many people in very high levels of stress, contributing to symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as other psychiatric issues. Unhealthy coping mechanisms can lead to unwanted, unhealthy activities resulting in behavioral addictions (e.g., compulsive gambling, binge eating, and pornography use) as well substance abuse addictions (e.g., opioid use and alcohol abuse).

The Academy’s research will provide support for graduate students across disciplines to learn about this area and incorporate resiliency as an independent variable in research projects with children, adolescents, and adults. We are taking an interdisciplinary approach to this problem integrating the best of biomedical science, psychotherapy, as well Catholic theology and spirituality. 

The Academy’s purpose flows directly from Seton Hall’s identity as a major Catholic university concerned with the academic and ethical development of its students and the broader society (Mission Statement, 1996). It also realizes Goal 2 of the Strategic Plan, which is concerned with supporting faculty in advancing research and scholarship as well as enhancing interdisciplinarity. In addition, this Academy clearly manifests the guiding principles of the Strategic Plan which emphasize the “strong intellectual and spiritual heritage” of our Catholic University. By placing the Catholic Intellectual Tradition into dialogue with the best of the natural, social, and medical sciences, we hope to make a contribution to the widespread mental health crisis.

Core Faculty

	Prof. Sulie L. Chang, Ph.D. (ANN Director) Professor, Department of Biological Sciences Director, Institute of NeuroImmune Pharmacology View Profile
	Prof. Mary Landriau, M.S.W., L.C.S.W. Senior Faculty Associate, Department of Social Work View Profile
	Rev. Prof. Joseph R. Laracy, S.T.D. Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Systematic Theology View Profile
	Prof. Jose L. Lopez, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Physics Director, Office of Grants and Research Services View Profile