Each student will select a topic relating to substance use disorders and write a six-page academic paper (literature review).
Sources must be from peer-reviewed research (journal articles).  A minimum of 4 journal articles written within the last 6 years are required. Information and articles taken from internet websites (“web sources”) and books, including the course textbook will not be accepted. However, published journal articles retrieved off the web are accepted (these are journal articles that happen to be electronically available, generally through online professional databases). 
The paper must be written using American Psychological Association (APA) format
A biopsychosocial description of the problem or population including recent research findings.
A discussion of the social impact of the problem or population (why is this an important problem or why is this population important?)
A review of research methods and key conclusions.
The paper is an academic literature review paper and thus should not include personal opinions.
Format: APA
Length: 6 pages (4 pages plus cover and bibliography/citaions)
Possible points: 50
Criteria for evaluation of papers will be based on the provided rubric.  The paper will be scored on the following 6 areas.  Please refer to the Academic Paper Rubric document for detailed information:
Cover Page
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
Bibliography
Mechanics