<p>I'm working on my essays but I'm having a dilemma with how much I should disclose in my essay about drug abuse and recovery. I have read other threads with similar questions and most replies said "NEVER TALK ABOUT ADDICTION!". However, I feel my circumstances are a bit different. My experience in recovery is what inspired me to want to become an adolescence substance abuse counselor. </p>
<p>I don't plan on going into detail of which drug(s) i used, just thought keeping it in general terms of "addiction" and "substance abuse" will keep it vague enough that they may not be AS turned off. After all underage drinking and drugs like marijuana (which are most likely to be assumed) are much more socially acceptable than crack or heroin. </p>
<p>I have been clean and sober for 2+ years, I think this shows much more commitment to staying sober than if I wrote the essay at 30 days clean. Also, the ONLY volunteer/community service I have listed (65 hrs) is my role as a speaker and peer guidance counselor in a high school substance abuse group. The psychologist who asked me to help run the group is also writing one of my letters of recommendation. </p>
<p>I just feel as if the topic is unavoidable between trying to explain lack of membership in clubs/organizations in hs, poor high school grades, and why I would be leading a substance abuse group. With essay prompts like "explain personal hardships and challenges that have shaped or impact you" and these experiences being the driving force behind my career choice, I don't know if I can write an essay without talking about it.</p>
<p>Sorry for the incredibly long thread. Additional details:
-Out of state community college student
-Applying for transfer to University of Texas
-Psychology major
-graduated with a 3.7 in high school
-currently have a 3.7 uw at the community college
-Honors program participant, and Phi Theta Kappa member
-29 credits so far, 14 currently being taken</p>
<p>It seems likely that they will learn of your past with drugs from the letter of rec, and if you think that’s the case then there doesn’t seem to be much point in trying to dance around the issue and avoid it in your essay. It’s directly related to your career and obviously recovery and such has led to the person you are today, so for that reason I wouldn’t tell you with certainty to avoid the subject. </p>
<p>I would call what you’re suggesting a “risk essay.” Basically, for some graders (assuming it’s well written and moving) it will be an outstanding essay while others may not like it. Do you really want to go to a school where you can only get in by hiding past events that shaped who you are? I wouldn’t. So if I were you and I felt that this essay topic was meaningful to me then I would write it. If you don’t get in because your essay was about drug abuse then you probably don’t want to go to that school. Just my opinion though. You’d be playing it safer if you wrote about a different topic I suppose. </p>
<p>Actually, they’d probably assume that if you were addicted and had a “drug problem,” it would be somehow harder than marijuana. Though I think in this case, that’s okay. If it was an experience who really shaped who you are today and is the primary factor in your choice of career, it is important for them to know. Especially because your first-hand experience will definitely help you in the field. Congrats on getting (and staying) clean! And good luck in applying.</p>
<p>I think it should be fine, and possible even a plus. you’ve been clean for a decant amount of time durring which you were in school. The fact that you got good grades w/o relapsing should show that you are capable of handling uni. Also, it is very much related to what you are planning on doing career wise. I’d say go for it.</p>
<p>Also, congratz on 2 years, and doing something productive with your life!</p>
<p>I think it’s a fine idea. Make sure the bulk of your essay is about what you learned, how you matured, and how you have changed for the better. Congrats on your recovery, and best of luck with your college search.</p>