Addressing Substance Use
Substance use, particularly when it is uncontrolled, can undermine a person’s ability to stay HIV-negative. AHP has three programs that help people deal with concerns about alcohol and drug use.
AIDS and Substance Abuse Program
The AIDS and Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) provides weekly substance abuse counseling and drop-in group services for people interested in addressing the impact of substance use on their lives, including its effect on HIV or STD prevention. Potential clients can drop in any Thursday morning at 10:00 am for an ASAP intake interview. In addition, AHP offers a substance abuse drop-in support group every Thursday (10:30 am to 12:00 noon).
ASAP Drop-In Group
Thursdays, 10:30 am to 12:00 noon. The ASAP Drop-In Group is for people with substance use concerns, especially related to living with HIV or staying HIV-negative. Topics often include: strategies for harm reduction, maintaining physical health, and dealing with depression and other emotional issues. There is no needs-assessment interview or registration required. Please arrive five minutes to ten minutes prior to group start time and check in at the front desk when you arrive.
Services for People with HIV
AHP’s Services for for people with HIV integrates help for clients using drugs and alcohol into all its offerings. In addition, the program runs one support group, mentioned here, that focuses on substance-related challenges.
Positive Recovery
Tuesday evenings. A weekly group for people who are recovering from drug and alcohol problems. Discussion topics include: health, relapse prevention, relationships, self-esteem, sexuality, and spirituality. The group welcomes new members who have been clean and sober for a minimum of six months. Requires a six-month commitment.
REACH Program
The REACH Program--AHP's primary HIV prevention program--offers individual counseling to people who are HIV negative and dealing with alcohol and drug use concerns, especially related to HIV risk taking. In addition, REACH offers groups focused on alcohol and drug use issues for men regardless of HIV status.
Sex and Sobriety
Ongoing. Sex and Sobriety focuses on topics such as navigating sober sex and attaining emotional intimacy. For gay and bisexual men, regardless of HIV-status,
with at least six months of current, continuous sobriety.
For information, call 415-476-3902.
Reality Check Drop-In Group: Sex, Drugs, and Alcohol
Tuesdays, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The Reality Check Drop-In Group is for gay and bisexual men—whether they are HIV-positive, HIV-negative, or untested—and who are abstaining from their drug of choice or trying to do so. The group offers an opportunity for participants to create a sober sexuality, deal with HIV disclosure and safer sex, or learn how to handle loneliness and intimacy. The group is a non-judgmental space to talk about ways in which sex or relationships can trigger and affect drug use and influence overall well-being. To learn more, call 415-476-3902, or drop in.
