Human needs are complex, and satisfying some of them often conflicts with others. Adaptive developmental features increasing the chance of satisfying certain immediate needs (e.g., levels of assertiveness bordering on aggression, tolerance of danger) may compromise the likelihood of satisfying future needs in the long run by increasing the risk of injury and death. Some such conflicts lead to health problems and deaths associated with toxicity, complications of addiction, and infections. We explore how all three elements have accompanied human existence from the beginning and why it is unlikely that this will change via simple prohibition or eradication of stressors, drugs, or biological pathogens. We also begin to explore how we can mitigate harm associated with stress, toxicity, addiction, or infections, and what role our changing environment (e.g., biological, ethical, legal, physical) may play in future developments.