In anticipation of International Self-Care Day on July 24, it’s time to address the often-overlooked issue of men’s self-care. Historically, societal expectations and gender norms have shaped a perception that self-care is predominantly a feminine pursuit. This stigma is a direct product of toxic masculinity, which equates emotional stoicism and self-neglect with manliness. However, self-care is a fundamental aspect of human health and well-being, regardless of gender. Understanding the Need for Self-Care in Men Self-care encompasses various practices that are crucial for maintaining your phys ..read more

Young adults face intense internal and external pressure to excel in today’s highly competitive academic environment. As a result, you may turn to alcohol and marijuana for short-term stress relief or try “study drugs” such as Adderall to enhance your concentration. While these quick fixes might seem attractive, they can significantly derail your promising academic career and affect your holistic well-being. The Lure of Stimulants Many students falsely believe Adderall – typically prescribed to manage ADHD symptoms – can help them focus better, study longer and retain more information. However ..read more

Digital natives who grew up online cannot imagine life without constant connectivity. However, technology use comes with significant risks, including the potential for addiction. How can excessive internet use impact young men’s brains, and what are the broader implications of this phenomenon? How Internet Overuse Affects the Developing Brain Younger people’s brains have exceptional plasticity. Because they are still developing, they are highly susceptible to external influences like internet use. Spending too much time online can profoundly affect this. Attention deficits: Constantly switchi ..read more

Countless movies and TV shows glamorize college as a time of growth, learning and friendships. However, for many students, the realities of academic pressure and social expectations can lead to a less talked-about experience – burnout. Unfortunately, college burnout is a significant and widespread mental health issue that can profoundly affect your well-being, academic performance and career prospects. Warning Signs of College Burnout Burnout among college students is not always easy to recognize because it can gradually build up. Here are some red flags that signify you might be burned out ..read more

June marks PTSD Awareness Month, a crucial time to spotlight the complexities of this mental health condition. While many people associate PTSD with military combat, it can result from various traumatic experiences, including accidents, natural disasters and abuse. Sadly, societal expectations and norms around masculinity can significantly impact how men experience and respond to PTSD. Let’s explore the unique symptoms of PTSD in men, the challenges posed by toxic masculinity and the importance of seeking help instead of struggling in silence. How PTSD Presents Differently in Men PTSD symptoms ..read more

Most parents understand the potential health risks associated with alcohol and marijuana, but may be less familiar with the effects of powerful illicit stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine. Among other effects, these substances can make people feel excessively enthusiastic and unusually chatty, which can be dramatic behavioral changes in some cases. Here’s how to tell if your son may be experimenting with or routinely using these dangerous drugs and what you can do to help him quit. The Effects of Stimulants Cocaine and methamphetamine affect the central nervous system, producing height ..read more

Many social gatherings in high school and college include alcohol and drugs, fueling a misconception that being intoxicated is the easiest way to have fun. However, at PACE Recovery, we challenge this notion daily, showing that life in recovery can be vibrant, fulfilling and enjoyable without dangerous substances. Our location in the heart of California’s Newport Beach gives our residents access to a plethora of exciting outdoor activities that prove sobriety is anything but boring. Embracing the Great Outdoors Orange County has beautiful weather year-round, allowing you to maximize the stunni ..read more

Everyone has different mental health needs, so treatment programs should not take a one-size-fits-all approach. PACE Recovery Center offers a unique blend of therapeutic and academic support designed to foster recovery and personal growth for young adult men. The Advantage of Age- and Gender-Specific Programs Early adulthood is a critical period of emotional, physical and mental development. Societal expectations and cultural pressures can compound the struggle for young men already grappling with mental health issues. Recognizing this, PACE Recovery has crafted an age-specific, gender-specifi ..read more

While many of us tell occasional white lies to save face or avoid hurting someone else’s feelings, lying can become a compulsive or even pathological issue for some people. What are the distinct characteristics and psychological root causes of uncontrollable lying, and how can this behavior affect you and those around you? Pathological Lying: Beyond Mere Deception Pathological lying, or mythomania, goes beyond the occasional fabrication. It often co-occurs in conjunction with personality disorders such as antisocial personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder. It can stem from v ..read more

Schizophrenia is a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition that affects a person’s thoughts, feelings and perception of reality. It typically manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood. While its exact cause remains unknown, researchers believe a combination of genetics, brain chemistry and environmental factors can influence its development. Notably, several prominent studies have highlighted a potential connection between marijuana use and the onset of schizophrenia symptoms like delusions and hallucinations. Let’s explore some of the earliest red flags of schizophrenia ..read more