A Proposal Sample Template

Introduction
Bridge:
Drug abuse and addiction is a consistently growing problem. Although it may not
directly affect you, it may be constantly affecting someone you love, your neighbor, or
your society. But what is the reasoning behind why people begin using drugs for the
first time? Does parental influence of drugs have any effect on whether or not their
child uses in his or her lifetime?

Topic and Related Issues: [An exploration of ________(topic), warrants an

acknowledgment of at least _________, __________, and _________(related issues).]
An exploration of the effect of parental drug abuse on child drug abuse warrants an
acknowledgement of the side that suspects that parental drug abuse leads to child drug
abuse and the opposing side that parental drug abuse will not cause their child to abuse.

Purpose of Project: [I propose an extended investigation of this topic because _________,

(or, in order to________).]
I propose an extended investigation of this topic because I believe that nearly everyone
knows someone that has been affected by drugs either directly or indirectly so it is
relevant to many readers.
An estimated 208 million people internationally consume illegal drugs. In the United
States, results from the 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health showed that
19.9 million Americans (or 8% of the population aged 12 or older) used illegal drugs in
the month prior to the survey.
http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/the-truth-about-drugs.html

Background
History:
Drugs have been part of our culture since the middle of the last century. Popularized
in the 1960s by music and mass media, they invade all aspects of society.
In the United States, results from the 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
 showed that 19.9 million Americans (or 8% of the population aged 12 or older) used
illegal drugs in the month prior to the survey.
http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/the-truth-about-drugs.html

Existing Knowledge:
I know that there are two sides to this argument. One side believes that a child who
grew up in a household of drug addicted parents will end up abusing drugs themselves.
The other side believes that children being able to see parents struggle with addiction
will lead to them being against the use of drugs. There are studies and factual evidence
that can prove both sides. However, some people believe that it also just depends on
the kid.

Perspectives
Existing Perspectives:
There is a large controversy as to whether or not parental drug abuse leads to child
drug abuse. Some people think that parental drug abuse encourages kids to be better
than their parents by not using. Other studies suggest that parents that use drugs
influence their child to do the same.

Points of agreement:
If parents that abused drugs in the past inform their child on the harsh realities
of drug abuse then the child will be less likely to use drugs themself.
Kids are less likely to accept drug use if their parents set rules against it
Some children dont abuse drugs. Instead, they take on the role of the parent
and begin to take care of themselves, their siblings, the home, and sometimes
even the addicted parent.
The risk of developing drug and alcohol problems is higher if the parent abuses
drugs or alcohol.

Points of divergence:
Substance abuse leads to physical violence and neglect within famalies
Parental addiction leads to a loss of involvement that a child needs to rightfully
develop
Parental drug abuse can lead to behavorial or psychological problems
It is wholly observable that children who grow up amongst drug abuse,
alcoholism and criminality tend to join into these activities. This creates
something of a cyclic trend, making those children who are born into
 underprivileged homes and neighborhoods more likely to remain in the
system than those children who are born of better circumstances with attentive,
drug-free parents.
http://www.narconon.org/blog/drug-addiction/how-children-are-affected-by-drug-addic
ted-parents-2/
these children are more prone to become addicts themselves; they are
attracted to deviant peer groups, directly perpetuating the cycle of addiction.
https://www.marrinc.org/legacy-parental-addiction/

Inquiry and Method

Topic of Investigation:
Does parental drug abuse affect whether or not their child will abuse drugs?

Research Questions:
1) What are the leading causes of drug abuse?
2) How does parental drug abuse affect children?
3) What are the long-term effects of childhood exposure to drug abuse?
4) Is addiction hereditary?

Methodology:
The research will be conducted online through various sources. I will use google
scholar and the ASU library to find adequate sources. If I find sources through Google,
i will make sure it is a non-profit organization or a top level domain for governments.

Keywords, Sources, and Databases:

Drugs, drug abuse, childhood, exposure, hereditary, addiction, affects, parental drug
abuse, child drug abuse, causes of drug abuse, etc.

Conclusion
Significance:
 Some people believe that the risk of developing a drug or alcohol problem can be
higher in children whose parents abuse alcohol or drugs. Others state that witnessing
drug abuse in parents influences the kids against doing drugs to avoid becoming like
their parent. Some people even believe that it can go either way depending on the kid
and his or her mindset.

Why now? So what? and What is ultimately at stake?:

Many people in todays society are affected by drugs either directly or indirectly. And
if you arent, you probably know someone who is. And this problem will continue to
rise so long as the source of it is not determined. Children could be at stake of
becoming drug addicts when born into a household in which their parents abuse drugs
or other substances. This child could be your friend, your neighbor, your coworker,
your sibling, or even you.