behavioral addictions
begin by understanding your behavior
From shopping and gambling to technology and sex, behavioral addictions may feel as if they control you. You can take back the control with therapy.
you can regain control of your life
Identify and understand behavioral addiction
Addiction disorders are not limited to substances — there are behavioral addictions that can greatly affect your quality of life. From technology and social media to pornography, gambling, gaming, shopping, relationships, and sex, behavioral addictions may lead to significant difficulties in life. Addictive behaviors can be addressed in therapy to restore well-being and reduce their adverse consequences.
Acheron therapists offer specialized treatment for these behavioral addictions. We are conveniently located in lower Manhattan, near the Financial District, Tribeca, City Hall, Battery Park City, and other downtown neighborhoods, and our beautiful offices are easy to reach by multiple subways and buses. We offer remote sessions for those unable to travel downtown or who prefer the privacy and convenience of at-home appointments. Contact us for a free consultation and we will match you to the best therapist to help with your addictions.
options for treating behavioral addictions
Therapy can help with unhealthy behaviors
Acheron therapists have training in all kinds of behavioral addictions, including:
- Gambling
- Shopping
- Social media
- Sex
- Gaming
- Pornography
- Technology
- Smoking
These are complex issues that involve brain chemistry, habit, mental health issues, and sometimes physical dependence. Our therapists take an individual approach to each client, finding the best approach to healing. You can get your life back under control. Please contact us for a free consultation to begin your journey.
therapy can help with behavioral addiction
Convenient, compassionate, and healing
Acheron experts offer several options for helping you understand your behavioral addiction. Contact us for a free consultation and find out how one of our therapists can help.
Find out more about:
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Ketamine-Assisted Group Therapy
We are conveniently located in lower Manhattan, close to the Financial District, Tribeca, City Hall, Battery Park City, and other downtown neighborhoods. Our beautiful offices are easy to reach by multiple subways and buses. We offer remote sessions for those who prefer the privacy and convenience of in-home appointments.
- New patients: call us at 646-382-2883 to schedule a free consultation.
- Email us any time, day or night, by clicking here.
Does Ketamine Help With Behavioral Addictions?
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for Behavioral Addictions
Ketamine-assisted therapy is an advanced treatment that has been shown to be effective for several mental health issues. The psychiatrist-led Acheron team, which specializes in individualized treatment these issues, has expertise in this unique medical therapy, especially when other treatments have not succeeded.
Find out more about medically supervised ketamine-assisted psychotherapy
Acheron is a psychiatrist-led, multi-therapist practice offering ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (individual and group). Under the supervision of Harvard-trained psychiatrist Daniel Zimmerman, M.D., your ketamine-assisted treatment at Acheron is a healing experience for mind, body, and soul.
How Medically Supervised Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Works
At low doses, ketamine-assisted therapy helps relax psychological defenses, enhances emotional processing, and makes therapy more productive.
At higher doses, it can induce a psychedelic experience – a rare, profound window for deep healing, emotional exploration, and personal growth. With thorough preparation, a supportive environment, and a trusted therapeutic relationship, ketamine therapy can unlock one of the most powerful forces in mental health: your own internal healing wisdom.
We honor this sacred medicine by weaving it with deep psychotherapy, mindful medication management, and healing community events that nourish your whole being. Research shows ketamine treatment can be particularly effective when traditional treatments have failed.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
- New patients call 646-832-2883 or click here to email us
- Existing clients call us at 212-320-2216
when addiction involves substances
How can a therapist help with addictive behaviors?
Alcohol and substance use disorders often occur alongside other issues, especially depression, anxiety, and trauma. Acheron Psychiatry has the expertise and skills to support you as you address these complex issues. If you are in search of therapy for an addictive illness or related mental health conditions, please contact Acheron for a free consultation to see how our expert therapists can help you. Therapy for alcohol use and other addictions is a specialized field; find out how we can help you get started.
Expert Behavioral Addiction Therapists/Psychiatrists in NYC
Our team of specialized counselors brings diverse therapeutic approaches to support your unique needs. Each therapist offers specific expertise while maintaining Acheron Psychiatry’s commitment to depth-oriented, whole-person care. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation. We will match you with the best therapist for your needs.
Meet the Team
Acheron provides accessible care in the heart of downtown.
Our Financial District practice at 11 Broadway offers convenient access for those seeking treatment throughout New York for a behavioral addiction. Wherever you are in NYC, our location is easily reachable.
We also offer virtual sessions for those who prefer therapy from the comfort and privacy of home. Contact us to schedule a free consultation or your first appointment. Let us match you to the best therapist for your needs.
Getting here:
- Subway: 4/5 train to Bowling Green, R/W to Rector Street, 2/3 to Wall Street
- Nearby: Charging Bull, Battery Park, Bowling Green, Stone Street, Brookfield Place
- Neighborhood: Short walk from the Staten Island Ferry Terminal and One World Trade Center; convenient to Tribeca, Chelsea, East and West Village, and elsewhere in the New York area
Frequently Asked Questions
what to know about behavioral addictions
Is behavioral addiction like alcoholism or drug addiction?
In some ways, yes – behavioral addictions activate reward and reinforcement pathways in the brain, just like substance addictions do. Behavioral addictions may not have the physical elements of substance addictions, but they do involve continued actions in spite of negative consequences. They often have deeply rooted emotional origins.
How does someone develop a behavioral addiction?
Behavioral addictions can be deep-seated, with roots in trauma or anxiety. There is also an element of brain chemistry, since we don’t all react to the same stimulations and rewards. A combination of emotional factors, social influences, and peer pressure can lead to a habit that feels out of control.
How is a behavioral addiction different from a habit or hobby?
A habit or hobby is generally enjoyable and flexible. A behavioral addiction is compulsive and continues even when it causes harm. The key differences are loss of control, distress, and negative impact on daily life.
What are the warning signs that a bad habit has become a behavioral addiction?
Common signs include:
- Irresistible urges to engage in the behavior/loss of control
- Spending increasing amounts of time or money on the behavior
- Continuing the behavior despite negative consequences
- Irritability, restlessness, or mood changes when unable to engage
- Neglecting responsibilities, relationships, or self-care
- Loss of control over the behavior
Who is at risk for developing a behavioral addiction?
Anyone can develop a behavioral addiction, but risk may be higher for individuals who:
- Have a personal or family history of addiction
- Experience chronic stress, trauma, or mental health conditions
- Have impulsivity or difficulty regulating emotions
- Are frequently exposed to highly reinforcing activities (e.g., gaming, gambling apps)
How are behavioral addictions treated?
Treatment is individualized and focuses on restoring balance and control. Treatment may include:
- Addressing underlying mental health conditions
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Individual and group therapy
- Mindfulness-based approaches
- Lifestyle changes and relapse-prevention strategies
Can someone recover from a behavioral addiction?
Yes. With expert therapy and time, recovery is possible. Recovery is often a process that involves learning new coping skills, addressing underlying issues, and building supportive routines.
When should someone seek professional help?
Professional help should be sought when:
- The behavior is causing emotional distress
- Work, school, finances, or relationships are affected
- Attempts to stop or reduce the behavior have failed
- The behavior is used to cope with difficult emotions