Answer to Question 1
Answer: The use and abuse of drugs poses physical dangers for the user, which include disease and death. Drug intoxication can alter psychomotor performance, thereby endangering the user as well as others around the user (e.g., driving while intoxicated).
Answer to Question 2
Answer: Exposure to a stressor activates the PVN to release CRH, which stimulates ACTH, which in turn stimulates the release of cortisol from the adrenals. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid that aids in the delivery of glucose for use in the fight-or-flight response. Long-term secretion of cortisol damages the muscles, increases blood pressure, damages neurons, and suppresses the immune system.
