What symptom might suggest someone is experiencing short-term memory issues related to a substance?

Impaired judgment is a symptom that can suggest someone is experiencing short-term memory issues related to substance use. When a person uses certain substances, particularly those that affect the central nervous system, their cognitive functions can be compromised. This impairment in judgment often manifests as the inability to make sound decisions, assess situations correctly, or foresee the consequences of actions. As the brain struggles to process information effectively, the individual may also experience difficulty in recalling recent events or retaining new information, leading to the overall sense of impaired cognitive functioning.

Other options, such as increased focus, enhanced memory retention, or improved clarity, would generally indicate that cognitive functions are intact or functioning well, which would not align with the experience of short-term memory issues related to substance use. These alternatives do not reflect the potential cognitive deficits associated with substance use, making impaired judgment the most relevant symptom in this context.