As the dose of alcohol increases, which of the following is most likely to occur in terms of stress response?

• A. The body becomes more efficient at managing stress with higher alcohol intake.
• B. The body's ability to cope with stress decreases due to impaired cognitive and physiological functioning.
• C. There is no change in the body's stress response regardless of alcohol dose.
• D. Stress levels automatically decrease because alcohol is a stimulant.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the relationship between alcohol consumption and the body's stress response by considering how alcohol affects both cognitive and physiological functions.
2. Recognize that alcohol is a depressant, not a stimulant, which means it generally slows down brain activity and impairs normal functioning rather than increasing stress management efficiency.
3. Consider how increasing doses of alcohol impair cognitive processes such as decision-making, attention, and emotional regulation, which are crucial for effectively managing stress.
4. Acknowledge that physiologically, higher alcohol intake disrupts the body's normal stress response systems, including hormonal regulation (like cortisol release) and nervous system activity, leading to decreased ability to cope with stress.
5. Conclude that as alcohol dose increases, the body's ability to manage stress decreases due to these combined cognitive and physiological impairments.