Which of the following is included in the DEATH self-imposed stressors acronym?

• A. Altitude
• B. Exhaustion
• C. Drugs
• D. Hypoglycemia

Answer: (C)

Self-imposed stressors are factors you can control that can degrade performance, especially in flight operations. In the DEATH mnemonic, the D stands for Drugs. Using drugs—illegal substances, misusing prescription meds, or recreational use—can impair judgment, slow reaction time, disrupt coordination, and blunt situational awareness. All of these impairments directly threaten safety, which is why drugs are included in this stressor list. Remember, the other letters represent Exhaustion, Alcohol, Tobacco, and Hypoglycemia, showing the range of self-imposed factors to avoid. Altitude isn’t part of this acronym because it’s environmental rather than something the individual does to themselves.