Alcohol & Drug Use/Addictions


Have you become concerned that maybe you drink or use drugs too much?  Maybe you have been missing school or work more often lately, having difficulty waking up in the morning, or difficulty sleeping at night.  Has someone told you that they are concerned about how much you drink or use?  Are you short of money, maybe because of how much you are spending on alcohol or drugs?

You may have already tried to cut down or take breaks from drinking or using.  And you may have shown that you can take a break, but then pick back up again.  Many people try and try on their own for a long time, sometimes taking a toll on their relationships, finances, physical health, and emotional well-being. 

Maybe you have already tackled your use, but have become concerned you may start up again. This is not at all uncommon and there are ways to get help. (If you are concerned about a loved one's drug or alcohol use, you may want to visit my page For Concerned Parents or Spouses.)  You can be assured that my approach is not one-size-fits-all, but is particular to you and your situation. 

We will begin a nonjudgmental discussion, not just of your drug and/or alcohol use, but develop a picture together of you and your life and how drinking and/or using drugs plays a role.  I have worked with many people who have felt that this part of their life is too private and shameful to discuss, and those who have felt that there is no way to get help.  Talking together often brings relief very shortly -- in feeling less alone, and more hopeful that you can do something to help yourself. 

Taking a first step can help you feel more in control of your life and yourself. 
We will consider multiple ways of helping you, including:

  • Beginning a discussion to consider whether your drinking or drug use is something that you want to change; maybe you're not sure you want or need to do anything differently
  • Sketching out what you enjoy or have enjoyed about drinking and/or using drugs
  • Strategizing about how to reduce the unwanted impact of drinking and/or using drugs, maybe without stopping altogether
  • Exploring whether you want to find a way to stop drinking or using altogether, and if so, to develop a clear plan to help you take steps in that direction. Depending on our discussion of what you are facing, options could include a combination of continued work together as well as considering other resources. 

I employ a variety of tools in helping with drug and alcohol use, keeping in mind that an individually tailored approach is most helpful.  We will apply or consider aspects of Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, and Relapse Prevention.  My role is not to shame or criticize you.  You may have already been on the receiving end of too much of that already, from others, and maybe from yourself.  My aim is to work together in a way that can help you begin to feel better about yourself, think more clearly about your options and feel more in charge of your life, based on real changes both in what you actually do and how you think about yourself. 

If you are unsure whether your drinking and/or drug use is a problem, or -- at the other end of the continuum -- if you are sure that it is a problem, starting a discussion with a professional is often a great relief.  It is important to connect with a professional who will listen to you without judgment, leave you feeling understood, and help clarify your options and connect with a reason for hope. 

I have worked for many years with a wide variety of people concerned about their drug and alcohol use, ranging from executives drinking at work, to teenagers smoking marijuana, to college students using stimulants while they study, to adults using crystal methamphetamine. 

I teach, supervise and consult widely on matters related to alcohol and drug use and addictions.  I am currently the alcohol and drug use consultant to UCSF Student Health and Counseling Services. 

You can be assured that I will take you seriously and listen to you with respect.

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J. Marc Wallis, LCSW  I  1610 Scott Street  I  San Francisco, CA 94115  I (415) 820-9609  I  marcwallis@sbcglobal.net



San Francisco Psychotherapy  I  Alcohol Counseling  I  Couples Therapy  I  Adolescent Therapist in San Francisco  I  Psychoanalysis