Part of the psychological explanation for drug abuse has been a presumed addictive personality, a psychological vulnerability resulting from problematic family relationships, inappropriate reinforcement, the lack of healthy role models, contradictory parental expectations, and/or an absence of love and respect.

The psychologically immature drug-dependent personality seeks gratification on a primitive level or, according to the pleasure principle, finds drug use and its attendant behavior reinforcing. He or she ignores the long-term negative consequences of behavior and instead opts for the short-term positive reinforcement that drugs provide.
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Symbolic interactionism is a sociological approach that appears in such perspectives as labeling or societal reaction theory. Its central premise is that people make their own reality:

Symbolic interactionists suggest that categories which individuals use to render the world meaningful, and even the experience of self, are structured by socially acquired definitions. They argue that individuals, in reaction to group rewards and sanctions, gradually internalize group expectations. These internalized social definitions allow people to evaluate their own behavior from the standpoint of the group and in doing so provide a lens through which to view oneself as a social object. (Quadagno and Antonio 1975: 33)
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Animal and human studies conducted since the 1970s have revealed a marijuana withdrawal syndrome, which, though less severe than that for alcohol, heroin, or cocaine, is characterized by insomnia, restlessness, loss of appetite, irritability, anger, and aggression.
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A small amount of methamphetamine can increase breathing and heart rates, cause heart palpitations, and provoke anxiety or nervousness. Higher doses can make these effects more intense. Headaches, dizziness, and a rapid or irregular heartbeat can occur. Some users become hostile and aggressive. Methamphetamine often causes hypothermia with renal failure that can be fatal.

Although less commonly than with cocaine, methamphetamine use can lead to heart failure. Using amphetamines over a long period of time can cause some health problems. With increased doses, users may become talkative, restless, and excited and may feel a sense of power and superiority. With prolonged use, the short-term effects are exaggerated.
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