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

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is a pervasive mental health condition characterized by an intense fear of being judged, negatively evaluated or rejected in a social or performance situation. Socially anxious people often find themselves in a relentless battle with their symptoms, which can significantly disrupt daily life and prevent them from living to their fullest potential. Moreover, the disorder is frequently misunderstood as shyness or introversion, leading many people to go undiagnosed and untreated. Leading Characteristics of Social Anxiety Disorder You may wish ..read more

Resuming an academic career derailed by addiction can seem daunting. Recognizing this, PACE Recovery offers a unique solution that marries qualified substance abuse treatment with comprehensive academic support. At PACE Academy, you don’t have to choose between recovery and education; you can pursue both, equipped with effective strategies to manage academic stress. Combining Recovery and Academics Reintegrating into academic life while in recovery presents a dual obstacle – balancing the rigorous demands of coursework while staying committed to sobriety. Walking this path requires you to deve ..read more

March is Self-Harm Awareness Month, calling attention to a topic often shrouded in silence, shame and stigma. Self-harm, or deliberately injuring yourself to cope with distressing feelings, thoughts or experiences, is a frequently misunderstood issue among young adults. While people across the gender spectrum engage in self-harming behaviors, young men face unique challenges with it due to societal expectations about masculinity and emotional expression. Let’s examine why people self-injure, warning signs to watch for, successful treatment strategies and the complex relationship between self-h ..read more

March is Self-Harm Awareness Month – a crucial time for education and dialogue around a misunderstood and often-hidden issue. At Pine Grove, we understand the complexity and sensitivity surrounding self-injury and its overlap with other mental and behavioral health disorders. This post will illuminate why people self-harm, explore its connection with substance abuse and explain how to find help. What Is Self-Injury? Self-harm is when people deliberately hurt themselves without suicidal intent. It’s a coping mechanism some people use to deal with overwhelming emotional pain, stress or frustrati ..read more

We tend to romanticize the transition from adolescence to young adulthood as a period brimming with opportunity, independence and discovery. However, recent findings from the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Making Caring Common project paint a more complex picture. Their new report, On Edge: Understanding and Preventing Young Adults’ Mental Health Challenges, reveals that young adults in the U.S. are experiencing significantly higher rates of anxiety and depression than their teenage counterparts. Let’s look at some drivers behind these mental health challenges and what we can do to com ..read more

Though marijuana remains on Schedule 1 at the federal level, California and many other states have legalized it for medical and recreational use. Public perception of cannabis has dramatically shifted in recent years, causing some people to believe it is completely harmless. Unfortunately, this growing acceptance has overshadowed the significant risks associated with high-THC strains, particularly for young adults. The availability of these potent strains in various forms at California dispensaries poses a question worth exploring: Can you overdose on weed? Let’s explore the consequences of co ..read more

Countless movies and TV shows glamorize the college years as the prime of life, with ample opportunities for learning, growth and the formation of lifelong friendships. However, college can be overwhelming for people with social anxiety. Socially anxious people are more than shy or introverted – they have a pervasive fear of social interactions that can significantly hinder their success. At PACE Recovery, we understand the unique challenges social anxiety poses for young men and offer tailored academic programs to help you get back on track. The Impact of Social Anxiety on College Students So ..read more

When life’s hustle and bustle overshadow profound human connections, Random Acts of Kindness Week gently reminds us of the power and simplicity of compassion. Kindness is a universally appreciated attribute that requires little and yields high returns. However, societal norms and the cultural misconceptions surrounding “traditional” masculinity deter many men from openly embracing and expressing care for others. For young men touched by toxic masculinity, addiction and mental health issues, a residential recovery community presents a unique opportunity to redefine strength through empathy and ..read more

While we usually associate hangovers with alcohol, the increased legality and availability of marijuana has led to awareness of the phenomenon known as the weed hangover. While the experience differs from what happens if you drink too much, cannabis consumption can lead to next-day residual effects. At PACE Recovery, we believe in educating people about all aspects of substance use, including lesser-known issues like weed hangovers and other potential negative outcomes of cannabis. Can You Get a Hangover From Marijuana? Yes, it is possible to experience hangover-like symptoms after using marij ..read more