Substance Use, Addiction, & Harm Reduction

Jacob Donnelly, LCSW #63900 • (510) 982-6836• jacoblcsw@gmail.com

Drugs and Alcohol

Many people can have a few drinks or party without a problem. Maybe that used to be you or someone in your family and something changed. Maybe a loved one or medical professional told you to cut down or quit. No matter who you are and what you’re dealing with, your situation is unique. I am passionate about providing a judgment-free space for you to have someone to confide in and get the support you’re looking for.

I’ve been working with people from all walks of life dealing with substance use and addiction challenges for the last 10 years. Much of my work has been with people who have ended up homeless while using multiple substances, which means I’ve practically seen it all and I won’t be scared to hear what’s troubling you.

I have extensive training and experience in Motivational Interviewing, the current leading evidence-based practice to help people explore their relationship to drugs and alcohol. I have also provided trainings on substances and Motivational Interviewing to groups and treatment providers in the Bay Area and Los Angeles.

12 Step, AA, and NA

12 Step meetings, while providing great free group support, are only shown to be 5-10% effective in helping people get sober. Whether you’re looking to get sober for the first time, or if you’ve been sober for years and you’re having new stress in your life, or anywhere in between, talk therapy can help.

If you’re interested in 12 Step meetings and have never been, I can help. Meetings are easy to find, but there are so many that it can be overwhelming to choose. I can help you find one that might fit with you, go with you at first if you’d like, or even help connect you to residential or intensive treatment options if that’s what you choose.

Harm Reduction

Maybe you aren’t interested in getting sober, or you’ve tried to cut down or get sober a hundred times and it isn’t working. Harm Reduction-oriented therapy is a person-centered approach that focuses on how to make safe changes in your life, without necessarily demanding that you get sober or cut down. Harm Reduction work involves instilling hope, focusing on safety, and not waiting for someone to go through the pain and lasting damage of hitting “rock bottom.”

For over two years, I ran a Harm Reduction residential program for veterans in San Francisco. I have attended the national Harm Reduction conference and learned from some of the leaders of this progressive approach to helping people who use substances.