please complete an explaining concept essay (introduction with thesis statement, body paragraphs, conclusion, in text citations, works cited) MLA format.

Requirements: use the Riverside city college digital library for a minimum of 3 sources, 1000 word count not including the in-text quotes or works cited page, and the use of generative AI writing a minimum of 500 words as a narrative to share how I used this tool to write my essay, how it felt to use generative AI in a college essay, and what I learned from this experience.

Draft essay and outline are below:

Title: Understanding the Complexities of Drug Misuse: Causes, Effects, and Treatment

Introduction

Drug abuse is a complicated and diverse problem that has major effects for both individuals and society as a whole. Drug misuse is influenced by a variety of circumstances, including societal pressures and mental health issues. This essay will look at the various reasons why people use drugs, the different types of chemicals that are often misused, the short- and long-term impacts of drug abuse on physical and mental health, and the necessity of seeking treatment to overcome addiction. Understanding the complexity of drug misuse allows us to better address this critical issue and work toward a healthier and safer society.

Causes of Substance Abuse

Social and peer pressure is one of the key causes of substance misuse. People may feel pressured to use drugs in social situations in order to fit in or acquire acceptance from their friends (Smith, 2018). Another prevalent cause for drug usage is to relieve stress or emotional distress. Many people use drugs as a coping method to escape the stresses of everyday life or to relieve symptoms of sadness, anxiety, or trauma (Jones, 2016). Furthermore, curiosity or experimentation plays a role in drug initiation, especially among young people who may be tempted to use drugs because of curiosity or a need for novelty (Brown, 2019).Finally, a lack of understanding regarding the consequences of drug usage can increase its prevalence. Individuals who are not properly educated or aware of the risks associated with drug usage may underestimate the potential repercussions and participate in risky behaviors (Johnson, 2020).

Often Abused Substances

There are several categories of substances that are frequently abused, each with its own set of effects and risks. Narcotics, such as heroin and prescription opioids, are highly addictive and can lead to severe physical and psychological dependence (White, 2017). Stimulant drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, produce feelings of euphoria and increased energy but can also cause dangerous side effects like heart palpitations and paranoia (Black, 2018). Opioids, including prescription painkillers like oxycodone and fentanyl, are commonly misused for their pain-relieving properties but can also lead to addiction and overdose (Green, 2020). Additionally, psychoactive substances like marijuana and hallucinogens alter perception, mood, and cognition and can have unpredictable effects on mental health (Taylor, 2019).

The Immediate and Prolonged Impacts of Substance Abuse

Drug abuse can have severe effects for both physical and mental health. Short-term drug usage can cause direct bodily harm, such as overdose, injury, and infectious infections including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis (Wilson, 2018). Furthermore, the long-term consequences of substance misuse can be equally devastating, resulting in chronic health problems such as liver damage, respiratory troubles, and neurological abnormalities (Clark, 2019). Aside from its physical consequences, substance abuse has a negative impact on mental health, increasing the likelihood of acquiring psychiatric diseases such as depression and schizophrenia (Adams, 2020).

The Significance of Seeking Drug Addiction Treatment

Despite the difficulties of overcoming addiction, obtaining therapy is critical to recovery and rehabilitation. Treatment options include medication-assisted therapy, behavioral therapy, and support organizations such as Narcotics Anonymous (Naylor, 2019). Professional help can give people the tools and resources they need to address the root causes of addiction and create healthy coping mechanisms (Robinson, 2020). Furthermore, treatment programs have been demonstrated to reduce substance abuse while enhancing overall quality of life (Miller, 2021).

Concluding Remarks

To summarize, substance abuse is a complicated and diverse issue that has far-reaching effects for individuals and society. Understanding the many causes of substance addiction, the types of chemicals often abused, and the immediate and long-term consequences of drug usage allows us to better address this serious issue and strive toward establishing a healthier and safer society. Furthermore, by highlighting the necessity of obtaining drug addiction treatment, we can offer individuals with the necessary assistance and resources to overcome addiction and live productive lives. It is critical that we prioritize drug addiction education, prevention, and treatment initiatives in order to counteract the terrible impacts of drug abuse and create a better future for everyone.

Works Cited

Adams, J. (2020). The Impact of Substance Abuse on Mental Health. Journal of Addiction Medicine, 14(3), 189-201.

Black, R. (2018). Stimulant Drugs and Their Effects on Health. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 183, 61-67.

Brown, L. (2019). Curiosity as a Gateway to Substance Abuse. Psychology Today. Retrieved from [link]

Clark, E. (2019). Long-Term Health Effects of Substance Abuse. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 96, 64-72.

Green, S. (2020). Understanding Opioid Addiction and Overdose. American Journal of Public Health, 110(8), 1123-1130.

Johnson, K. (2020). The Role of Education in Preventing Substance Abuse. Journal of Drug Education, 50(3), 258-272.

Jones, M. (2016). Coping Mechanisms and Substance Abuse. Addiction Research and Theory, 24(5), 378-389.

Miller, A. (2021). Effectiveness of Substance Abuse Treatment Programs. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 226, 108877.

Naylor, R. (2019). Treatment Options for Substance Abuse. American Journal of Psychiatry, 176(2), 94-102.

Robinson, D. (2020). Professional Assistance for Substance Abuse Treatment. Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, 11, 43-52.

Smith, T. (2018). Social Pressure and Substance Abuse. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 92, 18-25.

Taylor, P. (2019). The Effects of Psychoactive Substances on Mental Health. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 33(4), 437-451.

White, B. (2017). Understanding Narcotics and Their Effects. Addiction Biology, 22(5), 1234-1245.

Wilson, L. (2018). Immediate Consequences of Substance Abuse. International Journal of Drug Policy, 60, 20-28.

I. Overview

A. Overview of drug abuse as a complicated problem with serious consequences

B. A thesis statement outlining the different aspects of drug abuse that will be covered in the essay

II. Causes of Substance Abuse

A. Social pressure and peer pressure

B. Seeking a break from stress or mental suffering

C. Interest or attempting

D. Not knowing enough about the dangers of drug abuse

III. Often Abused Substances

A. narcotics

B. stimulative drugs

C. opioids

D. Psychoactive Substances

IV. The Immediate and Prolonged Impacts of Substance Abuse

A. Harmful outcomes

1. Direct physical consequences

2. Long-term health effects

B. Implications for mental health

1. Effects on mental processes

2. A higher chance of mental health issues

V. The Significance of Seeking Drug Addiction Treatment

A. Summary of the several available treatment options

B. Advantages of obtaining expert assistance for addiction treatment

C. Treatment program success rates

VI. Concluding Remarks

A. A summary of the main ideas covered in the essay

B. Stressing the significance of tackling drug abuse to stop its disastrous effects

C. A plea for people to emphasize drug addiction education, prevention, and treatment in both society and them