THERAPY FOR ADDICTION IN NYC

Did you wake up again, promising yourself you’d never let it happen, only to find yourself drinking too much—or using—again? Maybe you’ve sworn off the substance more times than you can count, but somehow, it always pulls you back. You might be losing trust in yourself, feeling ashamed, and wondering how you got here.

Is it taking longer and longer to recover, both physically and emotionally? Have you noticed yourself hiding the truth, making excuses, or feeling like you’re not being the person you truly want to be? Perhaps your relationships are strained—loved ones frustrated by promises broken or worried about the changes they see in you.

If any of this resonates, it might be helpful to take a closer look at your substance use. You don’t have to face it alone. At Clarity Therapy, we specialize in therapy for addiction in NYC, offering compassionate, professional support to help you regain control, rebuild trust, and move toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. Change is possible, and it starts with a single step. 

While drinking or drug use often starts as recreational or part of social gatherings, for some, it begins to take on a life of its own. Maybe you don’t drink or use substances during the week, but when the weekend comes, things spiral out of control. You might find yourself overindulging, making choices you regret, and wondering why it’s so hard to set limits.

Even if it hasn’t disrupted your daily responsibilities, the cycle of losing control and then trying to reset can feel exhausting and unsustainable. Whether it’s alcohol, recreational drugs, or even prescription medication, the toll it takes—on your self-trust, relationships, and wellbeing—can be subtle at first but hard to ignore over time.

If any of this resonates, you’re not alone. With the right support, you can regain control, rebuild trust in yourself, and create a healthier, more balanced life.

A key sign of addiction is the continued use of a substance despite its negative impact.

For individuals struggling with addiction, substances like alcohol, tobacco, or drugs often become the center of their focus, overshadowing other aspects of life. This preoccupation can make it increasingly difficult to function day-to-day, affecting work and relationships. For those seeking therapy for addiction in NYC, professional support can be a crucial step toward breaking the cycle.

Despite being aware of the harm their use is causing—to themselves and those around them—many people find it hard to stop on their own. Failed attempts to quit or cut back can lead to feelings of frustration and hopelessness, reinforcing the cycle. Addiction isn’t about lack of willpower—it’s a complex condition that requires understanding, support, and often professional intervention to overcome.

common signs of addiction

Preoccupation, strong desires, or cravings to use the substance: Constantly thinking about when and where you’ll get your next drink or dose, or feeling distracted and unable to focus on anything else until you do.

Taking the substance in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended: Planning to have one or two drinks but ending up finishing the entire bottle, or using drugs socially but losing track of time and going on extended binges.

Persistent desire or unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control substance use: Telling yourself you’ll stop after the weekend but finding excuses to keep using, or repeatedly trying to quit only to relapse within a few days or weeks.

Giving up or reducing important social, work, or family activities due to substance use: Skipping family gatherings to avoid judgment, missing work meetings because you’re hungover, or withdrawing from hobbies or interests you once loved.

Falling short on occupational or relationship commitments due to substance use: Missing deadlines at work because of late nights drinking, or forgetting to pick up your child from school because you were using.

Strained or damaged relationships because of continued use: Arguing with a partner over how much you’re drinking, or losing the trust of friends who feel let down by broken promises to cut back.

Tolerance—needing larger amounts to get the same effect, or experiencing little effect with continued use of the same amount: Needing several drinks to feel buzzed when one used to be enough, or using higher doses of a drug because smaller ones no longer work.

Experiencing withdrawal symptoms or using the substance to avoid withdrawal symptoms: Feeling anxious, shaky, or nauseous when you haven’t used, and drinking or using again to stop these uncomfortable symptoms.

Using the substance in risky settings or continuing use despite known problems: Drinking before driving even though you know the risks, or using drugs while taking medications that interact dangerously.