Substance Use Therapy
Substance Use Therapy in New York City
Evidence-Based Therapy for Alcohol and Drug Use
Substance use can affect every aspect of life, including your physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, career, and sense of self. Whether you are questioning your relationship with alcohol, struggling with drug use, recovering from addiction, or supporting a loved one, therapy can help you better understand the underlying factors contributing to substance use and develop healthy ways of coping.
At Upper East Side Psychology, we recognize that substance use exists on a spectrum. Some individuals meet criteria for a substance use disorder, while others may simply notice that alcohol or drugs have become an unhealthy way of managing stress, anxiety, trauma, loneliness, or overwhelming emotions. Regardless of where you are, we are here to support you in your goals for change.
Our therapists work collaboratively with clients to identify the emotional, psychological, behavioral, and environmental factors that contribute to substance use while helping build practical skills for lasting recovery and improved well-being.
What Is Substance Use Disorder?
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a medical and psychological condition characterized by continued use of alcohol or other substances despite experiencing negative consequences. Over time, substance use can interfere with work, school, relationships, finances, physical health, and emotional functioning.
Common substances include:
Alcohol
Cannabis
Prescription medications
Opioids
Cocaine
Methamphetamine
Benzodiazepines
Nicotine
Other illicit substances
Substance use disorders range from mild to severe, and recovery looks different for every individual.
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Book a Free, 15-Minute Consultation Call
Take the first step toward meaningful change!
Reach out today to connect with one of our compassionate and experienced clinicians. Whether you're seeking support for yourself, your family, or your child, Upper East Side Psychology is committed to providing personalized, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs.
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Signs You May Benefit From Therapy
Many people wait until substance use becomes a crisis before seeking help. However, therapy can be beneficial long before
serious consequences develop.
You may benefit from therapy if you:
Drink or use drugs more often than intended.
Find it difficult to cut back or stop.
Use substances to cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, or loneliness.
Experience cravings.
Continue using despite relationship, work, or health problems.
Spend significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from substances.
Feel guilty or ashamed about your use.
Notice increasing tolerance.
Experience withdrawal symptoms.
Hide your substance use from others.
Feel your life revolves around alcohol or drugs.
Seeking help early often leads to better outcomes.
Understanding the Root Causes of Substance Use
Substance use rarely develops in isolation. For many individuals, alcohol or drugs become a way of coping with difficult emotions or experiences.
Therapy explores the underlying factors that may contribute to substance use, including:
Anxiety disorders
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
Chronic stress
Emotional dysregulation
Perfectionism
Relationship difficulties
Grief and loss
Low self-esteem
Family conflict
Major life transitions
Co-occurring mental health conditions
Rather than focusing solely on stopping substance use, treatment helps address the triggers, response patterns and problematic coping behaviors that contributed to substance use.
Our Approach to Substance Use Therapy
At Upper East Side Psychology, we believe effective treatment is individualized. No single approach works for everyone.
Depending on your needs, therapy may incorporate:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps identify the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that contribute to substance use while teaching healthier coping strategies.
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Motivational Interviewing helps strengthen motivation for change by exploring ambivalence in a collaborative, nonjudgmental way.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT helps individuals develop psychological flexibility, tolerate difficult emotions, and make choices aligned with their values rather than immediate urges.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy explores longstanding emotional patterns, relationships, and life experiences that may contribute to substance use.
Trauma-Informed Care
When trauma plays a role in substance use, treatment prioritizes emotional safety while helping clients process difficult experiences at an appropriate pace.
High-Functioning Substance Use
Many individuals struggling with substance use continue to perform well professionally and academically. They may maintain careers, relationships, and responsibilities while privately experiencing significant emotional distress.
High-functioning substance use often goes unnoticed because external success can mask internal struggles.
You do not need to "hit rock bottom" before seeking support. We are here to support you at any stage.
Therapy for Families
Substance use affects entire families.
Therapy can help family members:
Improve communication
Establish healthy boundaries
Reduce enabling behaviors
Better understand addiction
Process difficult emotions
Support recovery while caring for themselves
Family involvement can often strengthen long-term recovery.
What to Expect During Therapy
Treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment to understand:
Your history of substance use
Current concerns
Mental health symptoms
Medical history
Relationships
Strengths
Goals for treatment
Together, you and your therapist will develop an individualized treatment plan focused on both immediate concerns and long-term wellness.
Therapy may focus on:
Reducing or eliminating substance use
Preventing relapse
Managing cravings
Building emotional regulation skills
Developing healthier coping strategies
Strengthening relationships
Addressing anxiety, depression, or trauma
Improving overall quality of life
Recovery is rarely linear. Our therapists provide compassionate support throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to identify as an addict to start therapy?
No. Many people seek therapy because they are questioning their relationship with alcohol or drugs, not because they identify with a specific label. Therapy provides a supportive space to explore your concerns without judgment.
Can therapy help if I'm not ready to stop completely?
Yes. Many evidence-based approaches begin by exploring your goals and motivation for change. Your therapist will work collaboratively with you to determine the treatment plan that best fits your needs.
What if I also struggle with anxiety or depression?
Substance use commonly occurs alongside anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, or other mental health conditions. Our therapists treat both substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns to support lasting recovery.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Therapy is confidential except in limited circumstances required by law, such as concerns involving imminent risk of serious harm or other legally mandated reporting requirements. Your therapist will review confidentiality with you during your first appointment.
Do you work with adolescents?
Yes. We provide therapy for adolescents experiencing substance use concerns while collaborating with parents and caregivers when clinically appropriate and developmentally beneficial.
Can family members attend therapy?
Yes. Family therapy can improve communication, strengthen boundaries, and provide education and support throughout the recovery process.
How long does treatment take?
The length of therapy varies depending on your goals, the severity of your concerns, and any co-occurring mental health conditions. Some individuals benefit from short-term therapy, while others choose longer-term treatment to support ongoing recovery and personal growth.
Do you offer virtual therapy?
Yes. We offer both in-person therapy in our New York City offices and secure telehealth appointments for clients located in states where our clinicians are licensed or authorized to practice.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Whether you're concerned about your own substance use or supporting someone you care about, help is available. Recovery does not require perfection—it begins with a willingness to explore change.
At Upper East Side Psychology, our therapists provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your unique goals, experiences, and strengths. Together, we can help you better understand the factors contributing to substance use, develop healthier coping strategies, and build a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Schedule your free 15–20 minute Initial Consultation today to be matched with a therapist who fits your needs.