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Specialized care in Dubai's mental health
Zita Chriszto, Clinical Psychologist in Dubai, providing expert mental health care services
+971 58 566 9327

ADDICTION · JUMEIRAH · DUBAI

Leading Addiction Treatment in Dubai: Reclaim Your Life

Experience discrete, luxury rehabilitation care designed for professionals and families. We combine clinical excellence with a holistic approach to help you overcome addiction and rediscover your purpose.

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Confidential & professional care

  • 7+ years clinical experience
  • Insurance reimbursement available
  • 1000+ Clients Supported
  • 1:1 Personal Sessions
Portrait of a Zita Chriszto, Psychologist with long blonde hair

Zita Chriszto

Clinical Psychologist · Dubai

DHA Licensed

MSc Psychology​

7+ years’ experience

BA Psychology​

“My goal is to give you practical tools that create lasting change — not just talk about problems.”

Licensed-By-DHA

Causes of Addiction

Addiction often stems from a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately 40-60% of the risk for addiction is inherited. Additionally, exposure to chronic stress, trauma, or substance use within the family environment significantly increases the likelihood of developing addictive behaviors.

Understanding Addiction

Addiction is a pervasive challenge that entangles individuals in persistent cycles of dependence, adversely affecting both mental and physical well-being. Zita Chriszto, a DHA-licensed clinical psychologist in Dubai, provides professional, evidence-based interventions to address addiction. With over five years of experience, Zita creates a supportive environment where clients can explore the underlying factors contributing to their dependence and work towards sustainable recovery.

When to Seek Help

Seek professional assistance for addiction if you experience uncontrollable substance use, intense cravings disrupting daily life, distressing withdrawal symptoms, or neglect of responsibilities. Continued use despite known harm, engaging in risky behaviors, and feelings of shame or denial are key indicators. Zita Chriszto provides expert support for those ready to take this crucial step towards recovery.

Treatment Options for Addiction

At our clinic we offer a comprehensive addiction therapy approach, combining evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Relapse Prevention Strategies. Therapy can also incorporate Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Family Therapy. This holistic treatment helps adults and children develop coping mechanisms, rebuild relationships, and achieve lasting recovery from addiction.

Symptoms of Depression

  • Compulsive Use: Inability to stop using the substance or engaging in the behavior despite wanting to quit.
  • Cravings: Strong urges or desires to use the substance or engage in the behavior.
  • Tolerance: Needing more of the substance or behavior to achieve the same effect.
  • Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing physical or psychological symptoms when not using the substance or engaging in the behavior.
  • Neglect of Responsibilities: Failing to fulfill work, school, or home responsibilities due to substance use or behavior.
  • Risky Use: Using substances under dangerous conditions or engaging in risky behavior.
  • Physical or Psychological Harm: Experiencing health or mental health problems as a result of the addiction.
  • Denial: Minimizing or denying the extent of the problem.

I am Zita Chriszto, a DHA licensed clinical psychologist based in Dubai. My professional approach is deeply rooted in providing compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each individual’s needs.

Zita Chriszto, DHA-licensed clinical psychologist in Dubai, seated in a bright therapy room
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Addiction and Its Treatment

How can addiction be treated?
Treatments for addiction include counselling, medicines, or both – and research shows that combining medication with counselling gives most people the best chance of success. Counselling may be individual, family, and/or group therapy, and helps address the behaviours, triggers, and underlying issues that drive addiction. Depending on the substance and severity, treatment may also involve medically supervised detox, structured rehabilitation, and ongoing aftercare to prevent relapse. A professional assessment matches the right level of care to the person.

Addiction therapy involves structured treatment programs designed to help individuals overcome dependence on substances or behaviors. It combines various therapeutic approaches to address the psychological, emotional, and physical aspects of addiction, promoting long-term recovery and improved well-being

Addiction therapy works by identifying and addressing the root causes of dependency. Through personalized treatment plans, it employs evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and motivational strategies to modify harmful behaviors, enhance coping skills, and support sustained recovery.

There’s no single cure, but the most effective approach combines therapy with medical support and relapse prevention. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a cornerstone: it helps you identify the unhelpful thoughts fuelling addiction, challenge them, build coping strategies, and rehearse relapse prevention. Research shows CBT is highly effective, especially when combined with medication (where appropriate) and other therapies such as motivational interviewing, family therapy, and peer support. Treatment works best when it’s individualised and addresses any underlying issues like trauma, anxiety, or depression.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for addiction focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to substance use. By recognizing triggers and developing healthier coping mechanisms, CBT helps individuals manage cravings and prevent relapse, fostering lasting recovery.

Yes, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is highly effective for addiction. Research shows that CBT reduces relapse rates by teaching clients to recognize and alter destructive thought patterns, enhancing their ability to cope with triggers and stressors without resorting to addictive behaviors

Yes, therapy is effective for alcohol addiction. Therapeutic approaches like CBT and motivational interviewing help individuals understand their drinking patterns, develop coping strategies, and address underlying issues, facilitating sustained sobriety and improved mental health.

Yes, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep and stress management techniques can help significantly in managing depression alongside professional treatment.

Practical steps that support recovery include: avoiding places where drugs or alcohol are available; surrounding yourself with friends who don’t use; learning how to resist temptation and cope with cravings; managing stress and relaxing without substances; and distracting yourself with healthy activities like exercise or music. These self-help strategies work best alongside professional treatment – counselling, and medication where needed – because addiction changes the brain and is very hard to overcome through willpower alone. Reaching out for help is a strength, not a weakness.
One model describes seven stages: (1) initiation – first use; (2) experimentation – occasional use in certain settings; (3) regular use – use becomes a routine part of life; (4) risky use – use continues despite growing problems; (5) dependence – the body and mind adapt, with tolerance and withdrawal; (6) addiction – compulsive use despite serious harm; and (7) crisis – a breaking point (health, legal, relationship, or financial) that often prompts help. Each stage reflects increasing brain changes and consequences – and recovery is possible at any stage.

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Zita Chriszto
Clinical Psychologist (DHA Licensed)
Practicing at Doctor Reuter Medical Center

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