Addiction & Substance abuse Therapy NYC, NY

01 Send An Email

02 Or Just Schedule A Consultation

03 Begin To Feel Better

LET'S WORK TOGETHER

has a behavior or substance become your primary relationship?

You can identify and Heal the root cause of Addictive behaviors with Psychotherapy and counseling for Addictions, Substance Abuse and Compulsions. A multi-modal approach using highly-effective therapies such as CBT, DBT, Internal family Systems, and EMDR Therapy can support you on your healing journey.

Addiction can often become a primary relationship in someone's life, overshadowing all other connections and priorities. For individuals struggling with addiction, the substance or behavior they’re addicted to can take center stage, demanding their time, attention, and energy. This "relationship" with the addiction can grow to feel more consuming than any other, whether it’s with family, friends, or romantic partners.

When addiction becomes the primary focus, it can distort how a person views the world and their other relationships. The need to satisfy cravings or the urge to engage in addictive behaviors can lead to neglect of loved ones, responsibilities, and even self-care. Over time, the addiction may create a cycle of emotional distance, trust issues, and conflict in relationships, as those close to the individual struggle with feelings of betrayal, frustration, and helplessness.

In these situations, the addiction isn’t just a personal struggle—it becomes part of the relational dynamic, affecting everyone involved. The person addicted may prioritize the immediate gratification from the addiction over genuine emotional connections. This imbalance can lead to a form of emotional dependency where the addiction feels like the only source of comfort or control, leaving real relationships to suffer in the background.

Breaking free from this cycle requires not just treating the addiction itself but also rebuilding healthy, supportive relationships. This may involve therapy, support groups, and open communication, helping both the individual and their loved ones heal and reconnect.

What is addiction?

Addiction can be defined as the continued use of a substance or behavior despite negative consequences. Many individuals do not seek treatment because they cannot imagine a life without their drug of choice. An addiction to a substance or behavior has become, and replaced, their primary relationships in life. As such, addicted individuals believe it offers a reliable source of comfort. As with many experiences, they become hard-wired in the brain and nervous system with pleasure and pleasurable experiences, and with pain. De-coupling these experiences from the substances and behaviors is the important work of addiction recovery.

Addiction is not a weakness as many believe, it's a complex condition that reshapes the brain, making it difficult to break free even when the person desperately wants to. It's a struggle that can start with a single choice but often leads to a pattern of behavior that feels impossible to control. Beyond the physical cravings, addiction weaves its way into relationships, careers, and self-worth. Understanding addiction is the first step toward empathy and healing, recognizing it as a medical issue that requires compassion, support, and treatment—not judgment. With the right help, recovery is not only possible, but it’s also an opportunity for profound personal growth and rediscovery of a life filled with purpose.

You may see signs in yourself or someone you care about that drugs, alcohol, or certain behaviors are interfering with many aspects of your life, including work and relationships. There are highly effective therapies to help you recover from addiction.

Common signs and symptoms of addiction

Strong desire or urge to use the substance, also known as “craving”
Substance is taken in larger amounts and over a longer period
Tolerance or the need for larger amounts to get the same effect, or experiencing little effect with continued use of the same amount
Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control substance use
Substance use interferes with family life, friendships, or usual activities
Unable to meet occupational or relationship commitments because of substance abuse
Relationships have been damaged because of an addiction to substances or behaviors
Experience of withdrawal symptoms or continued use of the substance to avoid withdrawal symptoms

How therapy helps addictions

Our goal in addiction counseling is to identify and heal any early trauma wounds, develop healthier coping skills to support life in the present, and develop the capacity for healthier interpersonal relationships that can replace what was the primary relationship with a substance or behavior. Addiction counseling can help you explore healthier coping mechanisms to manage your emotions and heal your pain. Many addiction therapists feel that addiction is best resolved using an integrative, multimodal approach.

Medications and other treatment modalities for addictions

Research studies tell us that a multimodal approach to therapy for addictions includes not only psychotherapy and behavioral approaches, but medications such as an opiate antagonist, and an antidepressant. With certain addictions, detox and rehab are the appropriate treatment options to begin recovery. Therapists with addiction training are in the best position to access when a higher level of care is needed and to provide appropriate referrals.

Successful treatment for addictive behaviors may involve an integrative approach that includes some combination of psychotherapy and behavioral treatments. EMDR therapy using addiction protocols, psychodynamic psychotherapy dialectical behavior therapy or DBT skills and Somatic Experiencing are very effective forms of addiction treatment.

About addiction Therapy NYC

This practice provides a range of psychological & wellness services in NYC and throughout NY state. The goal is to individualize treatment to your unique physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs. I have experience working with a broad range of symptoms and approaches in psychotherapy, including but not limited to EMDR Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Holistic Mind-Body Medicine. Therapy begins with a therapeutic consultation, where you will gain a wealth of information about your difficulties. Many people feel better after the first session. The initial consultation also lays the groundwork for future treatment as we determine the best modalities to help you heal.

addiction & compulsion Therapist with nearly 20 years of Experience

This practice offers supportive, compassionate and comprehensive care and also stays current on research related to mental health. I use my expertise and extensive training to get you back to living your life as quickly as possible.

Book an Appointment for addiction Therapy Today

To get started, book an appointment or text at 212-529-8292. Integrative Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan can help you in your healing journey toward optimal mental health.