Substance Abuse and Addiction

Adolescents who begin experimenting with alcohol and drugs before the age of 15 are far more likely to have problems with addiction later in life than those who do not.  Intervening early, before addiction begins, is critical.

I have spent many years researching and working with teen substance abuse. I began with counseling high school and college-aged teens and ultimately established a school based non-profit organization in 2010 called Being Adept, dedicated to the prevention of substance abuse among adolescents.  I witnessed how totally unprepared 8th graders were when they entered the tsunami of drugs and alcohol in high school. The Being Adept classroom curriculum and parent program was used in most middle private and public schools across Northern California.  Unfortunately in 2020, the pandemic brought the end to our good work.

Speaking engagements with parents, classroom work with students, and individual sessions with teens have given me a comprehensive and unique understanding of substance abuse and what needs to happen for prevention as well as for recovery to take place.

I create a safe place for teens where they can be honest about their intentions and motivation to change. I incorporate my training in Motivational Interviewing, an evidence-based practice shown to achieve the best results with teens. Family therapy may accompany individual adolescent therapy. Trusted referral resources are available, depending on the level of use and motivation of the individual.

I offer my clients:

• Knowledge of the best resources for substance dependence treatment

• A recovery plan for families and adolescents 

• Individual therapy or collaboration with a recovery team