Identify the biological processes of substance abuse and stress that impede a healthy lifestyle.

Identification should include processes such as

  • substance abuse—aside from the physical damage that drugs, alcohol, and tobacco can inflict on the body's organs, substance abuse can prevent subjects from dealing with emotional stress and reality. Different drugs affect biological processes in different ways.
  • stress—triggers chemical reactions in the body that can have adverse health consequences (e.g., increased blood flow to muscles and brain, decreased blood flow to the skin and digestive organs, reduced effectiveness of the immune system, altered functions of other organs).

Process/Skill Questions:

  • What lifestyle habits may keep someone from being healthy?
  • What are three examples of healthy lifestyle choices?
  • How does one reduce the negative effects of stress?