Substance use refers to anytime someone consumes or uses alcohol or drugs. Using alcohol or drugs is not always negative, but for some people, the use of alcohol and drugs can become harmful for them or those around them. This is known as substance abuse. If the behavior of substance abuse is not treated, it can lead to more serious disorders like addiction or dependence on alcohol or drugs. These types of behaviors can have serious consequences on important parts of their lives, such as their physical or mental health, work, relationships, and family.

As part of Bienestar’s Substance Use Program, you will benefit from services that are:

• Individualized—your treatment program will be personalized to you and your goals
• Integrated—combined services for your mental, medical and psychological health
• Culturally Competent—bilingual counselors and therapists from the community
• Long-Term—6-12 months of mental health and substance use treatment

Bienestar offers various substance use programs and services to help improve people’s quality of life by working closely with clients to improve behavior and psychological well-being. If you or someone you care about needs support in overcoming addiction or a substance use disorder, we can help.

Stages of Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is when you start to use alcohol or drugs so much that it leads to harmful consequences for you or others around you. If you ignore these warning signs and continue to abuse substances, you may become dependent on alcohol or drugs.

Dependence is a stage when you feel the need to use alcohol or drugs in order to make it through the day. The consequences of drug use will have increased, and you will also be less willing to give it up.

Addiction is when you are now both mentally and physically dependent on the substance. It will take more of the drug/alcohol to experience its effects, and you may have serious withdrawal symptoms if you were to stop using the substance.

Our clinicians are trained in many aspects of providing evidence-based interventions related to health outcomes and factors such as the impact of culture, relationships, and other psychological issues. The goals of our mental health and substance abuse services are to educate clients on creating a healthy “well-being,” identify the presenting problem(s) and embark on a personal journey of healing, forgiveness, and growth.

For more information on our Substance Use programs or services, please contact:

Nery Alvarado (Melendez) (she/ella), LCSW 
Director of Behavioral Health Services
nmelendez@bienestar.org
(866) 590-6411 ext. 302