Addiction Treatment

Addiction Isn't a Moral Failure. Recovery Is Possible.

I offer non-judgmental, evidence-based support to help you reclaim your life.

Are You Struggling With This?

- You use alcohol or drugs more than you intend to, and can't seem to stop

- You've tried to cut back, and the pull keeps winning

- Your use is affecting your work, your relationships, or your health

- You feel ashamed, but the substance is also the only thing that relieves the pain

- You're hiding how much you use from the people who care about you

- Part of you wants to stop. Another part doesn't know how to cope without it.

If this resonates, please know: you are not weak, and you are not a bad person. Addiction is a chronic condition, one that involves real changes to the brain, and it requires real treatment, not willpower alone.

Understanding Addiction Without Judgment

Most people I work with didn't choose addiction the way it looks from the outside. They were managing stress, trauma, loneliness, anxiety, or pain, and something that started as relief became a dependency. That's not a character flaw. That's a very human response to suffering.

The tricky part is that over time, continued use rewires the brain in ways that make stopping feel nearly impossible. Cravings, withdrawal, relapse — these are not signs of failure. They are part of how addiction works as a condition. Shame tends to make everything worse, so I work hard to create a space where you can be honest about what's actually happening, without judgment.

How I Work

My approach to addiction treatment is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness, which is among the most effective psychological treatments for substance use disorders. We'll look at the thoughts, feelings, and situations that trigger your use, and we'll build concrete skills for responding differently. And I also integrate motivational approaches to help explore your readiness for change, because ambivalence is real and normal, especially early on.

In our sessions, we'll work on:

- Identifying your personal triggers and high-risk situations

- Understanding the emotional needs your use has been meeting

- Developing alternative coping strategies — ones that actually work

- Building a relapse prevention plan that's realistic, not punishing

- Addressing any underlying anxiety, depression, or trauma that's driving the use

Relapse, if it happens, is not the end. It's information. We'll use it to understand what happened and adjust the plan.

What to Expect in Your First Session

We start with a free 15-minute phone consultation to see whether we're a good fit. If we are, the first full session is a 45-minute conversation about what brought you in, how addiction shows up in your daily life, and what you'd like to be different. By the end, you'll have a clear sense of how we'll work together and what the next few weeks will look like.

In Person on the Upper West Side, or Online in New York and Florida

Sessions take place at my office at 275 Central Park West, a short walk from the B and C trains at 86th Street and Central Park West. I also offer telehealth for anyone in New York State or Florida. Daytime, evening and Sunday appointments are available.

Fees and Insurance

I'm in network with UnitedHealthcare, Oxford, Oscar and Aetna through Alma and Headway. If your plan is out of network, I can provide a superbill so you can seek reimbursement directly from your insurer. Call or text 646-717-4860, or email dr@dansharir.com, to check your coverage or book a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Addiction Therapy

Do I have to commit to total abstinence to start?

No. Some clients come in wanting to stop completely, and others want to cut back or aren't sure yet. We start where you are and set goals together.

Is outpatient therapy enough, or do I need rehab?

Weekly individual therapy suits many people, especially those still working and managing daily life.

Is addiction therapy confidential?

Yes. What you share in therapy is protected by privacy law and professional ethics, with limited exceptions I'll explain in our first session. Many clients choose telehealth for added privacy.