What psychological effect does substance use often provide to users?

Substance use often offers individuals a temporary escape from anxiety, stress, or other negative emotional states. Many substances can create feelings of euphoria, relaxation, or an enhanced sense of well-being, which may lead users to feel that their problems are alleviated, even if only for a short duration. This relief can be particularly appealing to those struggling with mental health issues, as substances may serve as a coping mechanism to avoid dealing with underlying emotional pain or stressors.

The other options represent different concepts that do not accurately reflect the psychological effects of substance use. For instance, while some substances might temporarily boost mood, they do not consistently lead to increased cognitive performance; the cognitive effects can vary widely and often result in impaired functioning over time. Additionally, substance use typically does not result in permanent changes to personality; rather, it can lead to behavioral changes or temporary shifts in mood. Similarly, while some individuals may experience brief periods of emotional regulation, substance use does not restore emotional regulation on a full-time basis and may ultimately exacerbate emotional dysregulation in the long term.