Description
Prompt: Georgetown University’s article “Substance Abuse: Facing the Costs” discusses the importance of reaching adolescents before they begin to use substances and the societal cost of substance use. Your essay should include a discussion of why it is important to prevent substance use, the success or failure of prevention and treatment efforts, and some of the difficulties faced by those seeking treatment. The other articles in the module will also provide evidence-based support that can be useful in addressing the issues and costs of substance use.
This essay should include an argumentative thesis in your first paragraph. Your statement should discuss your thoughts on the cost of substance use (monetary and non-monetary) and your response to the Georgetown (Substance Abuse: Facing the Costs) reading and consideration of the secondary readings.
Audience: Write for an audience that is not familiar with the experiences and challenges of substance use disorders.
Length: 3-4 pages (750-1000) words
Requirements:
Include an original title (not “Unit One Essay” or “Substance Use Essay”)
Use MLA Style to format your essay
Compose a statement that expresses your opinion about the cost of substance use and in response to your research and the assigned reading
Use the Georgetown article (Substance Abuse: Facing the Costs) as evidence to support your opinions
Summarize the evidence
You may discuss your own experiences, although this is not the focus of the essay
Incorporate additional resources (other Learning Resources in the module, research from discussion posts, etc.)
Cite all sources using MLA style in-text citations
Include an MLA Style Works Cited page (in addition to 3-4 pages of text)