Question

risky behavior
you should avoid engaging in risky behaviors. smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, and using drugs are all examples of risky behaviors. use of tobacco (cigarettes, pipes, and smokeless tobacco) contributes to four of the five leading causes of death in the united states: heart disease, cancer, stroke, and lung disease. cigarette smoking can damage the lungs and cause upper respiratory infections. frequent exposure to secondhand smoke (smoke exhaled by a smoker or given off by a lit cigarette) can cause nonsmokers to experience the same health problems as smokers. smoking is difficult to give up because cigarettes contain nicotine, which is an addictive drug.
alcohol is a drug that depresses the central nervous system. when consumed in large amounts, alcohol can cause poor coordination, slurred speech, slowed reactions, and even blackouts. long - term use can cause other serious health problems. each year, half of all accidents in which teenagers die are the result of alcohol or drug use. generally, students who drink or use drugs get into trouble frequently, do poorly in school, alienate their family and friends, and often engage in other kinds of irresponsible behavior.
taking illegal drugs can also harm ones health. marijuana, for example, slows brain activity, impairs concentration, decreases depth perception and reaction time, causes poor judgment, and can damage short - term memory. over time, marijuana use can increase pulse rate, cause lung cancer and emphysema, and lower white blood cell count, making an individual susceptible to infections. because marijuana use causes an “i dont care” attitude, schoolwork and job performance are often negatively affected. other illegal drugs (such as cocaine, barbiturates, and heroin) also cause serious physical and psychological harm.
sexual activity can also be a risky behavior. it can result in a sexually transmitted disease (std) or an accidental pregnancy. about three million adolescents each year become infected with an std. it is estimated that three out of every ten teenage females will become pregnant before the age of twenty.

1. a friend who smokes and drinks tells you that if cigarettes and alcohol were really harmful they would be illegal. what is your response?
2. why do you think people choose to engage in risky behavior even though they know it is harmful?
3. how can a positive attitude help a person avoid risky behavior?

Explanation:

1. Explains the difference between legality and harmfulness, considering economic and social factors.
2. Lists common psychological and social reasons for engaging in risky behavior.
3. Describes how positive attitude affects self - esteem, goal - setting, and stress - coping mechanisms.

Answer:

1. Just because something is legal doesn't mean it's not harmful. Cigarettes and alcohol are legal but have well - documented negative health impacts. They are regulated rather than banned completely because of economic and social factors, like the large tobacco and alcohol industries and long - standing cultural acceptance in moderation in some cases.
2. People may engage in risky behavior despite knowing it's harmful for several reasons. Peer pressure can be a strong factor, as individuals may want to fit in with a group. Stress and the desire to escape problems can lead them to use substances like alcohol or drugs. Some may also underestimate the long - term risks or overestimate their ability to handle the consequences.
3. A positive attitude can help a person avoid risky behavior in multiple ways. It can enhance self - esteem, making a person less likely to seek validation through risky actions. A positive thinker is more likely to have long - term goals and understand that risky behavior can derail those goals. They are also more likely to seek healthy ways to deal with stress and challenges instead of turning to harmful behaviors.