Addiction is a manifestation of a weakened or developmentally arrested self. It may relate to an inability to integrate different aspects of your personality and experiences into a cohesive sense of identity. Addictive behaviors and substance abuse are ineffective attempts to reinforce the individual's feelings of self-cohesion and become a way of avoiding self-awareness and pain while temporarily inflating the person with a sense of grandiosity.

Substance abuse can be thought of as a maladaptive way of coping with underlying emotional pain, conflicts, or trauma. It is a symptom of deeper unresolved psychological issues, rather than a simple matter of physical dependence on a substance or behavior. As a NYC substance abuse therapist I can help you understand and overcome your challenges.

Substance use and abuse is often viewed as a form of self-medication, a way to numb or escape from painful feelings, memories, or experiences. It may provide temporary relief or a sense of pleasure and perhaps grandiosity, but it ultimately perpetuates the cycle of pain and reinforces a negative self-concept.

I will help you through a process of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and self-transformation. Together we can explore the causes of your addiction, help you develop a more authentic and integrated sense of self, and find healthier ways of coping with emotional pain and stress.