Addiction and Recovery Education and News

On December 10, 2025, Australia enacted a groundbreaking national policy that prohibits children under the age of 16 from holding accounts on major social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook, Reddit, Threads, X, Twitch, and others. This ban will only be lifted if these platforms implement age verification measures and enforce the restrictions […]

Is it teen addiction? If you’ve noticed unusual changes in your teenager’s behavior, it’s normal to be concerned. Teen addiction is a serious problem, and it can be difficult to tell the difference between typical teenage behavior and a potential red flag. In this article, we’ll discuss some common warning signs of teen addiction and […]

NYCFL has often highlighted the growing concern about the rise in teen use of nicotine pouches and the challenge it creates when dealing with substance use prevention (even among people in recovery who minimize nicotine use in comparison to other substances). And now, the landscape has expanded to include caffeine pouches, raising new concerns around […]

Beginning treatment can feel daunting. It’s common for individuals and families to arrive unsure of what recovery means, uncertain about their goals, and even ambivalent about whether change is possible. That’s not a failure of readiness — it’s a natural part of the process. At NYCFL, we hold space for that uncertainty. This is where […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]