Substance Abuse is using illegal drugs or using alcohol, prescription medicine, or another legal substance improperly or too much. It isn't necessarily an addiction, as the person may be able to stop or change the behavior, but it can become an addiction which is an actual disorder that prevents the person from stopping or changing the behavior even if it's causing the person harm.

Alcohol, over-the-counter medicine, prescription meds, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and tobacco products are common examples of substances people abuse. There are some common signs of Substance Abuse, like:

• Craving substance use.
• Lacking interest in things you used to enjoy.
• Spending more time alone.
• Eating more or less than you used to.
• Sleeping at bizarre hours.
• Changing your friends a lot.
• Not taking care of yourself anymore.
• Having problems with family or at work.
• Quickly changing from feeling good to bad and bad to good.

If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out to us and we'll give you all of the info you need to help you decide if Ketamine Infusions are right for you.

Stress and Aging can profoundly affect mental health, with chronic stress amplifying the natural cognitive changes that come with aging. When the body is under constant stress, it produces cortisol, which can interfere with the brain's ability to function properly. Elevated cortisol levels over time can lead to memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and impaired decision-making skills. This effect can be particularly concerning as people age, as the brain's ability to manage stress declines, making it harder to cope with daily challenges. Stress-induced mental fatigue can also contribute to emotional disorders like anxiety and depression, which are common among older adults.

The combination of Aging and Stress may also accelerate the onset of more serious cognitive issues, such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Studies have shown that chronic stress can contribute to the atrophy of the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for memory and learning. This damage can lead to a faster decline in cognitive function, resulting in challenges with memory recall, problem-solving, and overall mental clarity. In addition to these cognitive effects, the emotional toll of stress and aging can lead to a decreased sense of well-being, social withdrawal, and a lower quality of life. By managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and social support, it is possible to reduce its negative impact on mental health as you age.