Literature that can be trusted is generally considered a credible source. These are works that are supported by solid evidence besides frequently referencing previous scholarly work by other authors. Using reliable sources in research papers strengthens your own voice and argument. While different sources may talk about the same topic, their views, author’s motivations, dating, and strength of evidence data and statistics may significantly differ. In researching the question, “Why do young adults in New Jersey get involved with drugs and alcohol after becoming homeless, and how can we help with this problem?” contrast and comparison were made for two sources. The two sources are “Substance abuse & homelessness: Statistics & rehab treatment” by Mosel dated 2022 and “Substance abuse and homelessness” by the National Coalition for the Homeless published in 2009, which have some similarities and differences.
Foremost among the two articles’ similarities is the argument that substance abuse and alcoholism can be both the causes and consequences of homelessness. Mosel (2022) argues that substance use may develop as a result of the stressors associated with homelessness. Similarly, the “National Coalition for the Homeless,” found out that substance abuse was more widespread among the homeless people than those who are not. From both articles, most people begin the use of alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with the pressures that accompany homelessness. Moreover, Mosel (2022) asserts that addiction to substances and alcohol can contribute to homelessness without expounding further.
The second article by the “National Coalition for the Homeless” argues in the same line by asserting that substance use and alcohol consumption are potential causes of homelessness. In this case, various addictive disorders may disrupt family and friends’ relationships, often causing individuals to lose their jobs. It adds that the onset of addiction to substance use may exacerbate the situation in people already struggling to pay their bills, hence losing their houses. National Coalition for the Homeless (2009) gives evidence that 12% of cities mentioned that substance use was among the three causes of homelessness. Further, two-thirds of homeless individuals reported drugs or alcohol as the main reason for their homelessness (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2009). On the other hand, it mentions that many people, including young, get involved in drug abuse and alcohol due to homelessness, with most of them trying to cope with their situations. For instance, they begin substance use to attain temporary relief from the challenges faced in the streets.
However, the two sources differ in some ways such as on what can be done to help with the problem of drug and substance use as a result of homelessness. “Substance Abuse & Homelessness: Statistics & Rehab Treatment” focuses on the treatment options and rehabilitation for homeless individuals. It highlights the plight of homeless people and the barriers that prevent them from accessing treatment, such as the lack of accessible treatment programs and the high cost of rehabilitation. As such, it addresses the problem in several ways, such as the provision of government-funded rehab options and the linear approach aimed at addressing the importance of abstinence as a method of obtaining permanent housing (Mosel, 2022). As a physician and writer in the medical health realm and addiction medicine, the author is concerned mainly with the patient without considering government policy changes.
The National Coalition for the Homeless, on the other hand, advocates for policy changes to handle the problem. The article emphasizes the strengthening of the existing programs. In addition to addressing barriers to treatment and rehabilitation, it recommends the provision of health insurance to the homeless for the acquisition of substance use treatment. Moreover, offering a stable housing during and after treatment can be effective in decreasing the risk of relapse. Another solution for the problem, according to this article, is the provision of supported housing opportunities and programs that provide services such as education opportunities, employment opportunities, financial management, and daily living skills training and mental health treatment, among others (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2009). The article provides a wider range of options for combating homelessness and substance use than the first article.
Additionally, Mosel’s article provides a large pool of evidence data of homelessness, substance use, and alcohol that strengthens its approach in discussing the issue. The article has been recently updated, keeping it more relevant and up-to-date. On the other hand, the National Coalition for the Homeless’ article provides less research-based evidence data to support their arguments. This article is older than 5 years and the failure to update it significantly reduces its reliance.
Generally, sources may differ in various ways even when making the same argument. This is influenced by the author’s motivations, the strength of the evidence, and dating. Although they are based on the same subject, the two articles are different in terms of the evidence strength and their solutions for the problem. However, they similarly argue on the same cause and effect of substance abuse, homelessness, and alcoholism.
References
Mosel, S. (2022). Substance abuse & homelessness: Statistics & rehab treatment. American Addiction Centers. Web.
National Coalition for the Homeless. (2009). Substance abuse and homelessness. Web.