New York Center for Living

01/14/2026

Recovery isn’t just about treatment. It’s about showing up for real life again.
At New York Center for Living, we help young adults build recovery that actually fits their world.

01/13/2026

Myths and misconceptions about teen substance use are everywhere. Some come from outdated beliefs, while others seem reasonable but miss the full picture.

Understanding what’s true and what’s not is key to supporting teens and making informed decisions.

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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 exami...

01/09/2026

Is it typical teen behavior, or something more? If you’ve noticed changes in your teenager’s mood, habits, or behavior, it’s natural to have questions.

Teen addiction can be difficult to recognize, and the signs often overlap with normal adolescent development.

Understanding the warning signs and how to address concerns early can make a meaningful difference.

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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 fl...

01/01/2026

Growth doesn’t always look loud or obvious.

Sometimes it’s choosing to show up with hope. Even when it’s uncomfortable. Even when the step feels small. Every honest effort matters.

What does showing up look like for you today?

12/30/2025

New York Center for Living is an outpatient addiction treatment center helping young people and their families build a foundation for sustainable recovery. We are located in Midtown Manhattan, a convenient location that enables us to serve residents of:

Astoria
Brooklyn
Bushwick
Chelsea
Harlem
Manhattan
Midtown
Queens
Upper East Side
West Village
Williamsburg

Reach out to our team today to learn more about our programs and the best way to reach our center from your area.

Learn more: https://centerforliving.org/

12/24/2025

The holidays can bring up a lot, especially when you’re carrying more than most people can see. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Support exists, and kindness toward yourself matters just as much as anything else this season.

From all of us at New York Center for Living, we’re wishing you a holiday filled with care, connection, and reminders that you’re not alone.

12/22/2025

Recent media reports have highlighted the growing concern about the rise in teen use of ni****ne pouches, like Zyn, Velo, and Rogue.

These discreet, flavored pouches deliver ni****ne without to***co and have become increasingly popular among adolescents and young adults, mirroring past battles with va**ng products like Juul. Schools and parents are struggling to detect and address this issue, as pouches are odorless, easy to hide, and perceived by many to be safer than ci******es and vapes.

The reality is that ni****ne, regardless of how it’s consumed, poses serious health risks for adolescents and young adults. Ni****ne can interfere with brain development, increase anxiety and depression, and create long-term dependence. As these products become more accessible, educators, clinicians, parents, and teens need to stay informed and proactive.

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Recent media reports have highlighted the growing concern about the rise in teen use of ni****ne pouches, like Zyn, Velo, and Rogue. These discreet, flavored pouches deliver ni****ne without to***co and have become increasingly popular among adolescents...

12/19/2025

Australia has taken a bold step to protect youth mental health by banning children under 16 from major social media platforms unless strict age verification is enforced. At New York Center for Living, we closely follow global policies and research that impact mental health, especially for young people and families navigating today’s digital world. Read more to learn why this decision matters and what it could mean for the future of youth wellbeing.

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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, Twi...

12/18/2025

New York Center For Living staff thanks CEO, Pamela Kelly Alvich for her leadership over the last four years and wishes her a retirement full of happiness and relaxation.

12/16/2025

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 for teens and their parents. In many ways, school counselors are first responders, standing on the frontlines in the effort to educate and address substance use issues.

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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 s...

12/12/2025

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 future—shouldn’t it be in our home where it’s safe? Isn’t a little exposure better than total abstinence?

This idea—that exposure to alcohol or other substances in a controlled environment will prevent more dangerous behavior later—has become increasingly normalized, particularly in well-resourced communities. Unfortunately, research and experience tell a different story: early, parentally-sanctioned substance use does not protect teens; it increases risk across the board—physically, psychologically, legally, and developmentally.

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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, thoughtfu...

12/11/2025

Australia just banned social media for anyone under 16.
A move this big raises an important question: how is social media shaping the mental health of young people today?

Australia’s decision aims to reduce online harm and protect emotional well-being, and it’s sparking conversation around the world about how teens use (and are impacted by) digital spaces.

Read more here: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/11/world/australia/social-media-ban-australia-europe-china-usa.html

What do you think this could mean for youth mental health here in the U.S.? We’d love to hear your perspective.