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DBT Therapy for Addiction and Compulsive Behaviors.

When the pain inside feels too heavy to carry, substances or compulsive behaviors can feel like the only relief. At Suffolk DBT, we support individuals throughout Long Island and New York City in learning healthier ways to cope, regain control, and create a life worth living.

Specialized DBT Therapy for Addiction Treatment

Are you or a loved one struggling with addiction to substances (drugs or alcohol) or behaviors (gambling, sex)? Addiction can deeply affect personal life, relationships, and overall well-being, but with the right support, recovery is possible.

At Suffolk DBT, we offer expert care for individuals dealing with addiction. Our approach provides clients with the tools they need to regulate emotions, resist cravings, and break free from destructive behaviors. With the right support, a life worth living is within reach.

What Qualifies as an Addiction?

Addiction is a condition that involves compulsive behavior, whether it’s to substances like drugs or alcohol, or behaviors such as gambling or sex. These behaviors hijack the brain’s reward system, leading individuals to prioritize the addictive behavior over everything else in their lives.

Addiction is more than just poor habits or lack of willpower. It often co-occurs with mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or trauma, making it even more complex. The main types of addiction include:

Addiction can be devastating to relationships, work, and mental health, but with DBT, individuals can regain control and build a more stable, fulfilling life.
A person receiving support during addiction treatment on Long Island to address compulsive behaviors.

Going Beyond the Surface

At Suffolk DBT, we believe that recovery starts with understanding why the addictive behavior exists in the first place.
Our New York-based DBT therapists take a comprehensive approach by exploring the function of the behavior—not just the behavior itself.

Addictive behaviors often develop as a coping mechanism to manage emotional pain, stress, trauma, or unresolved issues. Understanding what the behavior is trying to achieve—whether it’s relief from anxiety, escape from pain, or a sense of control—is key to effective treatment.

Our therapists work with individuals to replace unhealthy coping strategies with healthier, more sustainable alternatives. By learning new skills to manage emotions, individuals can break the cycle of addiction and develop healthier ways to cope with life’s challenges.

LGBTQ+ individual standing by a window holding a glass of water during a DBT mental health session.

NY Addiction Treatment that Works

At Suffolk DBT, we support teens and adults in their recovery from addiction using Dialectical Behavior Therapy. DBT is highly effective for addiction treatment because it focuses on managing intense emotions, reducing impulsive behaviors, and improving emotional regulation. Our goal is to help our clients and their families develop effective tools for long-term stability through the four core DBT modules. Here’s how DBT works for addiction:

Is Addiction Treatment Right for You?

At Suffolk DBT, we support individuals who are struggling with all forms of addiction, including:

Drug and Alcohol Addiction:

For those who are dealing with substance use disorders and need support to break free from the cycle.

Gambling Addiction:

For those who find themselves trapped in compulsive gambling, impacting finances, relationships, and emotional health.

Sex Addiction:

For those engaging in compulsive sexual behavior that is disrupting their personal life and relationships

Our DBT program is tailored to meet the unique needs of each person, helping them develop the skills necessary for long-term recovery and stability.

Addiction Treatment at Suffolk DBT

Our success in addiction treatment comes from our commitment to the DBT model and our structured program, which addresses both the emotional triggers and underlying causes of addictive behaviors.

Our New York licensed DBT therapists guide clients during individual sessions to:

These skills are further reinforced in DBT skills groups, where clients practice the tools they need to handle triggers and avoid relapse.

Close-up of a person holding a glass of water while speaking with a therapist who is taking notes during a counseling session

Additionally, family members of our adolescent clients are encouraged to attend multi-family skills groups, learning the same DBT strategies their loved one is using, and how to reinforce those skills at home.

Phone coaching is available between sessions to help clients maintain their skills and prevent escalation in real-world settings. Our Long Island therapists also receive weekly consultation to ensure that every client gets the highest quality care.

Begin Addiction Treatment at Suffolk DBT

During your initial call, you’ll share concerns and history. Intake paperwork is completed in advance, allowing the clinician to focus on key insights during the first meeting. DBT treatment programs are tailored to each person’s unique needs & developmental stage:

Receive individual therapy and participate in our DBT-A program, which includes a multi-family skills group for caregiver involvement.

Benefit from individual therapy, DBT skills groups, and phone coaching to reinforce skills outside of sessions.

In the intake session, both the individual and their family members are involved (when applicable). This session assesses the person’s history, symptoms, and treatment goals, and helps assign the right therapist for their recovery journey.

After intake, clients begin their therapy with a licensed DBT therapist experienced in addiction treatment.

Real Stories from Families

GET STARTED TODAY

Ready to Get Started and speak with an Intake Specialist?

Suffolk DBT proudly provides quality dialectical behavior therapy, a form of cognitive behavioral therapy, at their offices in Manhattan and Long Island, New York and online. Their experienced NYC counselors specialize in serving teens, children, adults, and college students struggling with depression, borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, and self-harm. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills and treatment can help you to manage emotions and work through life’s challenges.

Completely confidential. Only takes 10-15 minutes.

Reach out for help to one of our DBT Team members and take the first step towards long lasting change