Adventures in Abstinence
Abstinence can be defined many ways, for any time period. Explore how abstinence might support your goals.
In order to maintain Stonewall counseling services during the COVID-19 “shelter-in-place” order, Stonewall will be offering ongoing groups and “walk-in” services remotely via Zoom. See our Drop In Schedule or our calendar for details; or call our main line at 415-487-3100 or email stonewall@sfaf.org for more information.
The Stonewall Project is a state-certified drug and alcohol treatment program providing harm reduction-based counseling that integrates substance use, mental health and HIV prevention and education. Substance use counseling through the Stonewall Project is available for gay, bi, trans men and other men who have sex with men who use crystal meth, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, alcohol and/or other drugs.
Everyone’s goals are welcome and can range from complete abstinence to controlled or safer use based on a desire to improve health, relationships or functioning in the world.
We welcome you wherever you’re at and do not require abstinence for you to receive services. Drop in to an individual or group counseling session to learn more about enrolling in our Stonewall program or call us at 415-487-3100.
The counseling is amazing. Being able to establish trust and relationships with them over the months has made me feel safe and supported.Stonewall Project participant
Harm reduction is a way to “meet people where they’re at,” without requiring you to meet certain conditions in order to maintain your health. It’s safety, your way.
Harm reduction approaches to substance use are not strictly abstinence-oriented. Rather, they encourage individuals to examine the connections between their substance use or sexual health and their health and well-being, and to take steps toward any positive change.
San Francisco AIDS Foundation programs and services are based in harm reduction. Everyone is welcome, no matter what place they’re in, no matter how challenging their life is, no matter how sick they are. It’s a client-centered, person-centered approach.
Abstinence is not required. Your goals may vary across the harm reduction spectrum, and could include:
Everyone’s goals are welcome.
You are not required to register to access some of our services. You can drop in to many groups that include book clubs, harm reduction education opportunities and wellness services. See the walk-in substance use support options.
The second option is to enroll in the structured program. Learn more about the structured program. In the meantime, attend as many walk-in services as you would like.
Suboxone is one of the most effective treatment options available for people who would like to stop or reduce their use of heroin, fentanyl, or other opiates. It is available as a tablet or as a film that you put under your tongue or against your cheek, and is available with a prescription. One part of the medication works on the same receptors in the brain as opioids, which helps prevent cravings for opioids, while the second part of the medication lessens the potency of the drug on these receptors to prevent potential abuse.
If you’re interested in starting Suboxone, find out more about our services.
In order to maintain Stonewall counseling services during the COVID-19 “shelter-in-place” order, Stonewall will be offering ongoing groups and “walk-in” services remotely via Zoom.
No paperwork, no intake and no waits. Check out our walk-in groups, book clubs, drop-in acupuncture, social spaces, and harm reduction info sessions.
Learn more about our Walk-In Program | Download the Walk-In ScheduleIn order to maintain Stonewall counseling services during the COVID-19 “shelter-in-place” order, Stonewall will be offering ongoing groups and “walk-in” services remotely via Zoom.
Walk-in services will be offered remotely by appointment. Call in to 415-487-3100 Monday – Friday between 8 am and 4 pm to schedule an appointment. If you receive a voicemail, leave your full name, request for walk-in counseling & please state your phone number two times.
Want to talk to a substance use counselor about how drugs and alcohol are working–or not working–in your life? If it’s time for a change, our substance use counseling services might be a fit for you.
Find out more about substance use counselingWant structure, personalized counseling, and a “treatment plan”? Each week in our enrolled program, you’ll meet with your own counselor and participate in two groups of your choice. Manage your substance use, cut down or work towards abstinence – at your own pace! Come to a walk-in session with a counselor to learn more.
Enrolled members who are linked to an individual counselor can access additional specialized groups and services. Here’s an example of the enrolled program schedule.
Attend a walk-in session to learn moreThe Positive Reinforcement Opportunity Project provides structure, community, counseling and financial incentives for people interested in reducing or quitting their use of crystal meth, cocaine or other stimulants.
Find out more about PROPWant to talk to someone about your drinking? Take part in counseling sessions to talk about your alcohol use, and you’ll also be eligible to make up to $60 in gift cards.
Cheers Queers consists of three one-on-one counseling sessions that can help you make changes to your drinking or minimize the harm that can be caused by alcohol.
Find out more about Cheers Queers | Take the Cheers Queers QuizAdministrative Coordinator, Behavioral Health Services
Associate Director, Contingency Management
Pronouns: He/him/his
415-487-3115
randrews@sfaf.org
Counselor III Supervisor, Stonewall Project
Pronouns: He/him/his
415-487-3119
pcarnini@sfaf.org
PROP Health Educator
Pronouns: He/him/his
fchavez@sfaf.org
Counselor I, Stonewall Project
Pronouns: He/him/his
415-487-3105
tclifford@sfaf.org
Counselor I, Prevention and Care Services
Spanish
Pronouns: He/him
415-487-3445
adelabra@sfaf.org
Health Educator I, Stonewall Project
Spanish
Pronouns: He/him/his
415-437-3408
ediaz@sfaf.org
Vice President, Behavioral & Substance Use Health
Pronouns: He/him/his
415-487-3102
mdiscepola@sfaf.org
Read Bio
Pronouns: He/him/his
415-487-3102
mdiscepola@sfaf.org
Vice President, Behavioral & Substance Use Health
Mike Discepola, MA directs the work of the Stonewall Project and Syringe Access and Disposal Services at San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Mike works with staff and community partners to research, design, plan and implement HIV and STI prevention, outpatient substance use and mental health programs in compliance with agency, state and federal standards and regulations. He is a member of the San Francisco HIV Community Planning Council (HCPC) and the Community Consulting Group for the Substance Use Research Section of the San Francisco Department of Public Health. He also supports the city-wide Syringe Access & Disposal Collaboration funded through the San Francisco Department of Public Health.
For more than 20 years, Mike has provided leadership to HIV prevention, substance use, harm reduction and community-based mental health programs for LGBTQ populations. In 2014 he served as the community co-chair for the Substance Work Group of the HIV Prevention Planning Council, from 2016 to 2018 he served a member of the California State HIV/AIDS Planning Group (CPG) and in 2017 he served as a member of San Francisco's Safer Injection Services (SIS) Task Force. In 2013, Mike was honored by KQED and Union Bank as a local Hero in the LGBT Communities of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Clinical Supervisor, Counselor II
Pronouns: She/her/hers
415-487-8013
cfigallo@sfaf.org
Counselor II, Stonewall Project
Pronouns: He/him/his
415-487-3131
dfoster@sfaf.org
Director, Clinical Internship Training Program, Stonewall Project
Pronouns: He/him/his
415-487-8067
rholum@sfaf.org
Read Bio
Pronouns: He/him/his
415-487-8067
rholum@sfaf.org
Director, Clinical Internship Training Program, Stonewall Project
Robert Holum, LMFT, has been the director of the Stonewall Project clinical internship program since 2013. A graduate of New College of California and a licensed marriage and family therapist since 2004, Robert has worked as a clinical supervisor for the Bayview Hunters Point Foundation in San Francisco and the Pacific Center in Berkeley. He has also served as an adjunct faculty instructor for the University of San Francisco’s master’s program in counseling psychology, and a research counselor for the UCSF Alliance Health Project’s RED+ Study. Robert maintained a private practice for 10 years, providing psychotherapy and consultation with a specialization in HIV behavioral health.
Robert is currently a member of the Community Advisory Board of City College of San Francisco’s Addiction and Recovery Studies program. He has served as an evaluator for the MFT Consortium of California’s Educational Stipend Program, which encourages graduate students from underserved communities to embark on careers in public behavioral health.
Robert is passionate about clinical education as a tool to help aspiring counselors find their unique voices and bring out the best in themselves.
Counselor II Supervisor, Stonewall Project
Pronouns: He/him/his
415-487-3109
djohnson@sfaf.org
Counselor II Supervisor, Stonewall Project
Pronouns: He/him/his
415-487-3110
pkilfoil@sfaf.org
Program Manager, Cheers Queers
Spanish
415-437-3439
rlugo@sfaf.org
Stonewall Project Intake Coordinator/Counselor I
Pronouns: She/her/hers
415-487-3108
smadfes@sfaf.org
Counselor II Supervisor, Stonewall Project
Spanish, Portuguese
415-487-3125
amejia@sfaf.org
Director, Clinical Operations, Stonewall Project
415-487-3111
kmosley@sfaf.org
Counselor II Supervisor, Stonewall Project
Pronouns: He/him/his
415-487-3103
cpowers@sfaf.org
Counselor II, Stonewall Project
415-487-3104
jprillwitz@sfaf.org
Read Bio
Counselor II, Stonewall Project
Jeremy Prillwitz, MA, LAADC has been a counselor at the Stonewall Project since 2012. He is a frequent presenter on harm reduction at conferences and trainings. He is currently writing a book challenging the abstinence-only treatment monopoly in the U.S., and highlighting the positive and pro-social aspects of drugs.
PROP for All Coordinator
Pronouns: He/him/his
415-487-3124
wrafus@sfaf.org
Associate Director, Clinical Operations, Stonewall Project
Pronouns: He/him/his
415-487-3121
arohrer@sfaf.org
Sr. Director, Stonewall Project
Pronouns: He/him/his
415-437-3416
ktemple@sfaf.org
Abstinence can be defined many ways, for any time period. Explore how abstinence might support your goals.
Substance use group exploring drugs, alcohol, sex, dating and more.
Crystal meth support group for Black & African American men.
Celebrate aging as a gay, bi, trans man. Discuss drugs, sex, health, family and aging with dignity and pride.
Drugs & alcohol support group for men of color.
Explore harm reduction during a drop-in book club group.
Drop in to an alcohol use support and counseling group, where any and all goals are welcome and respected.
Join a group exploring topics related to identity and community, with a focus on substance use.
Snacks, coffee and substance use drop-in support.