Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment in Riverside, CA

Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders in Women

For many women, the struggle with addiction is not just about alcohol or drugs—and the battle with mental health is not just about depression or anxiety. Often, the two overlap. This is what clinicians call co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnosis: when a mental health condition and a substance use disorder happen at the same time.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), nearly 9.2 million U.S. adults live with both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder. Women face unique risks: they are more likely to have trauma histories, to be prescribed addictive medications, and to face stigma that delays care.

At Sol Women’s Treatment in Riverside, CA, we specialize in treating both conditions together. Our integrated, trauma-informed programs ensure women receive the full support they need—not just for one condition, but for the whole person.

Call (951) 972-5085 today to speak with our admissions team about dual diagnosis care.

What Makes Co-Occurring Disorders Different?

The DSM-5 defines substance use disorders and mental health conditions separately, but when they occur together, symptoms overlap and reinforce each other.

Treating only the addiction leaves mental health symptoms unresolved, often triggering relapse.

Treating only the mental health disorder without addressing substance use can result in continued dependence.

Women with dual diagnosis often require longer, more structured care compared to single-diagnosis clients.

Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) shows that integrated care is the gold standard for co-occurring disorders. By treating both conditions simultaneously, recovery outcomes are stronger, relapse risk is lower, and long-term wellness is more achievable.

Why Women Are at Higher Risk for Dual Diagnosis

Women’s experiences with co-occurring disorders are shaped by biology, trauma, and social pressures.

Trauma Histories

Women who have experienced domestic violence, assault, or childhood trauma are at heightened risk for PTSD, depression, and substance use.

Biological Differences

Women metabolize drugs and alcohol differently, leading to quicker onset of dependence (NIDA).

Hormonal Influences

Menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause can all trigger or worsen mood disorders. 

Caregiving Pressures

Women often carry responsibilities as mothers, caregivers, or professionals, making them more vulnerable to stress, anxiety, and self-medication.

Stigma and Judgment

Women may delay seeking help out of fear of losing custody of children or being judged by family or employers.

Delayed Diagnosis

Conditions like ADHD, BPD, and postpartum depression are often overlooked, leaving women untreated until symptoms escalate. 

Signs of a Co-Occurring Disorder

Because mental health and substance use share symptoms, dual diagnosis can be difficult to recognize. Warning signs may include:

Using alcohol or drugs to cope with sadness, stress, or trauma

Increased anxiety or depression despite substance use

Withdrawal symptoms paired with emotional instability

Difficulty keeping up with responsibilities at work, home, or school

Social withdrawal and relationship conflict

Relapse after trying treatment for only one condition

Frequent ER visits or hospitalizations for mental health or substance-related crises

If these signs feel familiar, integrated care may be the right step forward.

Common Co-Occurring Disorders in Women

Women may experience many different combinations of mental health and substance use challenges. Here are some of the most frequent pairings we treat at Sol Women’s Treatment:

Depression + Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol may provide temporary relief from sadness, but it ultimately deepens depression. Women with both conditions are at increased risk for self-harm and physical health complications.

Anxiety + Benzodiazepine Dependence

Medications like Xanax or Ativan are often prescribed for anxiety. Over time, dependence can develop, with withdrawal symptoms causing even worse anxiety.

PTSD + Opioid Misuse

Trauma survivors may turn to prescription opioids or heroin to numb emotional pain. This cycle often leads to stronger PTSD symptoms and dangerous levels of dependence.

Bipolar Disorder + Stimulant Misuse (Cocaine or Meth)

Some women use stimulants to manage energy crashes or depressive episodes. Unfortunately, stimulants destabilize mood cycles and can intensify manic or depressive episodes.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) + Polysubstance Use

Women with BPD may misuse multiple substances as a way of coping with intense emotions, leading to complex clinical needs.

Postpartum Depression + Alcohol or Prescription Drugs

Postpartum depression affects 1 in 7 mothers (Mayo Clinic). When combined with substance use, it increases risks for both mother and child if untreated.

OCD + Alcohol Use

Obsessive thoughts may lead some women to use alcohol to “quiet the mind.” Over time, this coping mechanism worsens both conditions.

Eating Disorders + Stimulant Misuse

Some women misuse stimulants to control weight or appetite, creating dangerous cycles of malnutrition, addiction, and emotional instability.

Why Treating Both Together Matters

Historically, women with co-occurring disorders were sent to separate facilities: rehab for addiction, therapy for mental health. Today, research shows that this siloed approach increases relapse risk.

According to NIDA, treating both conditions at the same time leads to the highest recovery rates.

Women in dual diagnosis care are more likely to remain in treatment and less likely to relapse.

Addressing trauma is essential: if untreated, trauma symptoms can trigger substance use even after sobriety.

At Sol, we provide fully integrated care—ensuring both conditions are addressed together, not in isolation.

Speak to Admissions

Let's Talk

Our Approach to Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment

Evidence-Based Therapies

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Reframing harmful thoughts that fuel both mental health struggles and substance use.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Building emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and healthier relationships.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

A proven method for processing trauma and reducing PTSD symptoms.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

When appropriate, psychiatric medication management supports stabilization.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Reframing harmful thoughts that fuel both mental health struggles and substance use.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Building emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and healthier relationships.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
A proven method for processing trauma and reducing PTSD symptoms.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
When appropriate, psychiatric medication management supports stabilization.

Holistic Healing

Yoga and Mindfulness

Supporting grounding and emotional regulation

Nutrition and Wellness Counseling

Restoring balance to both mind and body.

Art and Creative Therapies

Giving women new ways to express and process emotions.

Continuum of Care in Riverside

PHP (Partial Hospitalization)

Daily structured therapy for women with severe dual diagnosis.

IOP (Intensive Outpatient)

Several therapy sessions weekly for women balancing treatment with responsibilities.

OP (Outpatient)

Ongoing support to maintain recovery.

Supportive Housing

Safe, sober housing options for women needing additional structure.

Family & Community Support

Family therapy sessions to strengthen relationships.

Alumni programs for long-term community support.

Peer groups that connect women with shared experiences.

Speak to Admissions

Let's Talk

Client Testimonials

Why Women Choose Sol Women’s Treatment in Riverside

Integrated Care

Simultaneous treatment for mental health and substance use.

Trauma-Informed Approach

Specialized support for women with abuse or trauma histories.

Expert Clinicians

Licensed staff with 10+ years of experience in behavioral health.

Continuum of Care

From PHP to OP and supportive housing.

Local Access

Serving Riverside, Redlands, Yucaipa, San Bernardino, and the Inland Empire.

Our Clinical Director, Tania Acevedo, MA, LPCC, leads our programs with over a decade of expertise in case management, trauma therapy, and women’s behavioral health.

Admissions & Insurance

Starting treatment is straightforward:

Call our admissions team for a free consultation.

Verify your insurance (most major providers accepted).

Complete a comprehensive clinical assessment.

Begin your personalized recovery program.

Call (951) 972-5085 today to verify your insurance and take the first step.

Frequently asked questions

What are co-occurring disorders?

Co-occurring disorders, or dual diagnosis, refer to having both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time.

Why are women more at risk for dual diagnosis?

Women are more likely to have trauma histories, face hormonal changes, and experience societal stigma, all of which contribute to higher rates of dual diagnosis.

Can both conditions really be treated at once?

Yes. Research from NIDA shows that integrated treatment—addressing both at the same time—is the most effective approach.

What kinds of therapies work best?

CBT, DBT, EMDR, and trauma-informed therapy are highly effective, combined with holistic practices like mindfulness and nutrition counseling.

How long does treatment take?

Most women spend 30–90 days in structured programs, followed by outpatient care and supportive housing for ongoing stability.

Does insurance cover dual diagnosis treatment?

Yes. Most insurance providers cover co-occurring disorder treatment. Our team will verify your benefits.

Do you offer telehealth options?

Yes. Depending on the program, virtual therapy sessions may be available for added flexibility.

What happens if I relapse during care?

Relapse is not failure. If it happens, we adjust treatment—often stepping back into PHP or IOP—to provide additional structure and support.

Can my family be involved in treatment?

Yes. We encourage family therapy to build stronger support systems and promote long-term recovery.

Take the Next Step

If you are struggling with both substance use and mental health symptoms, you do not have to choose which one to treat first. At Sol Women’s Treatment in Riverside, CA, we provide fully integrated dual diagnosis care designed for women.

Call (951) 972-5085 today to begin your journey toward recovery and healing.

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