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Reflections on Treatment, Readiness, and the Work of Starting
At the New York Center for Living (NYCFL), we often meet teenagers, young adults, and families at a moment of transition — a turning point where something needs to change, even if the path forward isn’t entirely clear. Beginning treatment can feel daunting. It’s common for individuals and families to arrive unsure of what recovery…
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The Way Out of Thought Traps
The geometric maze of addictive thinking feels overwhelming because it is neurologically complex. But like the helping hand in the illustration, NYCFL’s data-focused therapies are ready to guide you towards The Way Out. Our comprehensive approach—integrating individual therapy, family involvement, creative modalities, and holistic wellness—offers a complete pathway from cognitive confusion to clarity. Substance Use…
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Phone Restrictions
Finding Focus: Why Phone Restrictions in Schools Can Boost Mental Health and Prevent Substance Use Across the country, middle and high schools are increasingly implementing phone restrictions during the school day. While some—but not all—students push back, these policies are gaining traction for good reason: research continues to reveal the negative impact of excessive phone…
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Parental Exposure
Why “Supervised” Substance Use Isn’t a Smart Parenting Strategy At the New York Center for Living, parents often ask us whether it is wise to expose adolescents to substances like alcohol in supervised settings. It’s usually framed with care, thoughtfulness, and the best intentions: If my child is going to drink anyway—now or in the…
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Recognizing and Responding to Student Substance Use: A Guide for School Staff
Introduction Despite increasingly effective prevention and treatment efforts on the part of parents, schools, and treatment programs, teen substance use continues to pose a challenge. Educators and school staff—especially guidance counselors, school social workers, and school psychologists—are in a unique position to identify substance use and related disorders in students and provide support and direction…
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5 Myths of Teen Substance Use
When it comes to substance use, myths and urban legends abound. Many are based on old assumptions or false perceptions while others seem reasonable and based in logic. In an effort to educate parents, teens, educators, and others, we’ve critically examined 5 common myths about teen substance use to set the record straight and help…
