San Francisco ? Mayor Gavin Newsom said Monday that he plans to seek counseling for alcohol use, following the disclosure that he had an affair with the wife of a veteran aide.

Newsom, 39, said that although “my problems with alcohol are not an excuse for my personal lapses in judgment,” he had stopped drinking and wanted professional help staying sober.

“Upon reflection with friends and family this weekend, I have come to the conclusion that I will be a better person without alcohol in my life,” Newsom said in a statement.

Newsom last week acknowledged a sexual relationship with former secretary Ruby Rippey-Tourk, the wife of his now-former campaign manager, Alex Tourk.

Newsom said Monday that he would get treatment on an outpatient basis, and that it would not affect his duties as mayor.