Frank was a peer counselor at Awakenings Program (for deaf alcoholics and drug abusers) in Los Angeles, California, 1988-90, co-founder of programs in Downey and Whittier, 1988. From 1994 he worked at Midas Co. in Las Vegas, Nevada as a substance abuse consultant.

He was also a writer on the theme of alcohol and drug abuse. Some writings appear under the name Frank James.

As a key speaker Frank James John Lala Jr. lectures on substance abuse and has authored many publications in the field of deafness, a poem "A Credo for Deaf Americans" along with his published book, "Counseling the Deaf Substance Abuser". He is also a contributor to periodicals, including American Annals of the Deaf and NarcOfficer.

Frank James is a member of International Martial Arts Federation of the Deaf, International Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association, National Association of the Deaf, American Public Health Association, National Mental Health Association.

Youtube.