Helping Women Heal from Dependence and Mental Health Struggles

TL;DR: Quick Answer

SOL Women's Treatment is an all-female outpatient program in Riverside, CA treating mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders.

Conditions treated include:

  • Depression, anxiety, PTSD, BPD, and bipolar disorder
  • Alcohol use disorder (AUD), opioid use, meth, benzodiazepines, and more
  • Co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders

Levels of care: PHP (Partial Hospitalization), IOP (Intensive Outpatient), OP (Outpatient), and supportive housing.

Approach: Trauma-informed, evidence-based care using CBT, DBT, EMDR, and holistic therapies.

Insurance: Most major insurance plans are accepted; benefits can be verified confidentially.

Where: Riverside, CA; serving Corona, Redlands, San Bernardino, and the broader Inland Empire.

Key Takeaways

  • Women progress from first substance use to dependence faster than men—a pattern called the telescoping effect (NIDA).
  • Nearly 1 in 5 women in the U.S. experiences a mental health condition annually (NIMH).
  • Co-occurring disorders (dual diagnosis) are common: ~9.2 million U.S. adults have both a mental illness and a substance use disorder (SAMHSA).
  • Women face unique barriers to treatment: caregiving roles, stigma, and trauma exposure.
  • Integrated treatment—addressing SUD and mental health together—produces better outcomes than treating conditions separately.
  • SOL provides gender-responsive care in a private, all-female outpatient environment.

The Telescoping Effect: Why Women Progress Faster

The telescoping effect describes the accelerated timeline from first use to dependence and treatment entry observed in women compared to men. This pattern is documented across alcohol, opioids, and stimulants. Biological factors—including differences in body composition, hormone levels, and liver metabolism—contribute to faster absorption and more severe physiological effects at lower doses.

Mental Health vs. Substance Use Disorders in Women: At a Glance

Mental Health Conditions Substance Use Disorders
Prevalence in women ~1 in 5 women annually (NIMH) Rising rates; faster progression than men (NIDA)
Key risk factors Trauma, hormonal changes, caregiving stress Telescoping effect, trauma, domestic violence
Common conditions at SOL Depression, anxiety, PTSD, BPD, bipolar disorder Alcohol, opioids, meth, benzodiazepines, stimulants
Treatment approach CBT, DBT, EMDR, group therapy, holistic care Ambulatory detox, SUD PHP/IOP/OP, relapse prevention
Co-occurring overlap Frequently co-occurs with SUD Frequently co-occurs with mental health conditions

Substance Use Disorders Treated at SOL Women's Treatment

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic condition involving compulsive substance use despite significant health, social, or occupational consequences. SOL treats a full range of SUDs in women through its women's addiction treatment programs, using medically informed, trauma-aware care.

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Alcohol use disorder is the most commonly treated substance condition at SOL. Women are at higher risk for alcohol-related liver damage, cardiovascular effects, and neurological harm at lower consumption levels than men—a disparity documented by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). [CLAIM REQUIRES FACT-CHECK OR CITATION]
  • SOL treats AUD at the PHP, IOP, and OP levels of care.
  • Ambulatory (outpatient) detox support is available for women who do not require 24-hour medical supervision.
  • Evidence-based therapies include CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention planning.
Learn more about alcohol addiction in women

Opioid Use Disorder (Including Heroin and Fentanyl)

Opioid use disorder in women often begins with prescription opioid misuse before transitioning to heroin or illicit fentanyl. The CDC has reported rising opioid-involved overdose deaths among women, with a disproportionate burden in the 25–54 age range.
  • SOL provides outpatient-level care for opioid use disorder.
  • Treatment integrates trauma therapy, given the high overlap between opioid use and trauma history in women.
See also: opioid addiction in women | heroin addiction | fentanyl addiction

Stimulant Use Disorders: Cocaine and Methamphetamine

Stimulant use disorders—including cocaine and methamphetamine—are increasingly common among women who use substances to manage high-demand responsibilities, chronic stress, or trauma-related exhaustion.
  • Meth use is associated with significant psychiatric comorbidities, including psychosis, depression, and anxiety.
  • Cocaine use disorder frequently co-occurs with anxiety disorders in women.
See also: cocaine addiction in women | meth addiction in women

Benzodiazepine and Prescription Drug Use Disorders

Benzodiazepines (including Xanax) and prescription medications are among the most frequently misused drug classes by women, often beginning as prescribed treatment for anxiety, insomnia, or pain management.
  • Physical dependence on benzodiazepines can develop within weeks of regular use.
  • Withdrawal from benzodiazepines requires medically informed management.
  • SOL's ambulatory detox and PHP programming can support stabilization before transitioning to IOP.
See also: benzodiazepine addiction in women | Xanax addiction in women | prescription drug addiction

Other Substances Treated

  • LSD and hallucinogens
  • Nitrous oxide
Each requires individualized assessment. View the full substance use conditions overview for details.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between dependence and addiction?

Dependence refers to the body's physiological adaptation to a substance, including tolerance and withdrawal. Addiction involves compulsive use of a substance despite harmful consequences. Both are clinical conditions that benefit from professional treatment. NIDA recognizes both as distinct but frequently overlapping presentations.

Can women with both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition receive treatment at SOL?

Yes. Treating co-occurring disorders simultaneously is a core clinical strength at SOL. Both conditions are assessed and treated within a unified treatment plan—consistent with SAMHSA's best practices for dual diagnosis care.

What levels of care does SOL Women's Treatment offer?

SOL provides Partial Hospitalization (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and Outpatient (OP) programming for mental health and substance use disorders. All-female supportive housing is also available for women attending PHP or IOP.

Does SOL Women's Treatment accept insurance?

Most major commercial insurance plans are accepted. Coverage varies by policy, level of care, and benefit year. The admissions team verifies benefits confidentially before your start date.

What is EMDR therapy and who is it appropriate for?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based trauma therapy that reduces the emotional intensity of traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation. It is appropriate for PTSD, complex trauma, and trauma-related anxiety. SOL's EMDR is delivered by an EMDRIA-certified therapist.

Does SOL treat trauma alongside substance use disorders?

Yes. Trauma is addressed throughout all levels of SOL's programming. SOL offers dedicated trauma therapy, EMDR, and a Trauma-Targeted Program track for women with significant trauma histories.

Is SOL Women's Treatment exclusively for women?

Yes. SOL is an all-female program—clients, clinical staff, and leadership are all women. This gender-responsive model is designed to create safety, reduce stigma, and support trauma recovery in an environment free from gender-based power dynamics.

What should I bring or expect on my first day?

The admissions team will provide a personalized checklist after your intake assessment. Typically, you can expect a clinical orientation, group introductions, and an individual session within your first week. SOL's team will contact you ahead of your start date to answer questions and reduce uncertainty about the process.

Frequently asked questions

What does “dependence” mean in treatment?

Dependence refers to the body and mind’s reliance on a substance or coping behavior. Unlike casual use, dependence impacts daily life and requires professional treatment.

Is there a difference between dependence and addiction?

Yes. Dependence involves reliance and withdrawal, while addiction includes compulsive use despite harm. According to NIDA, both require evidence-based treatment.

Does Sol Women’s Treatment accept insurance?

Yes. Most major insurance providers cover addiction and mental health treatment. Our team verifies benefits on your behalf.

Can women outside Riverside attend treatment?

Absolutely. Many women travel from Redlands, Yucaipa, San Bernardino, and the wider Inland Empire for care.

Do you treat both mental health and substance use at the same time?

Yes. Dual diagnosis care is a core strength of our program, aligning with SAMHSA’s best practices for co-occurring disorders.

How long does treatment last?

Length of care depends on individual needs, but many women engage in 30–90 day programs, followed by outpatient or supportive housing.

What happens if I relapse?

Relapse is not failure. If it occurs, our team adjusts treatment—stepping up care into IOP or PHP if necessary.

Can family be involved in treatment?

Yes. Family therapy is available to strengthen support systems, reduce stigma, and build long-term resilience.

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Conditions We Treat

Mental health conditions are illnesses that affect a person’s mood, thoughts, and behavior. At Sol, we take a holistic approach to treating mental health disorders along with cutting-edge, evidence-based therapies.

ADHD

ADHD is a prevalent and well-known condition. ADHD is characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity.

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Anger Management

Anger is not a negative emotion itself, but when it is not managed well, it can negatively impact one's well-being, relationships and work. Anger can also lead to more severe emotional and behavioral problems.

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Anxiety

An estimated 31.1% of U.S. adults experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Anxiety symptoms include intrusive thoughts and worries that are present most days and impact health, work, and social interactions.

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Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels that negatively affect a person’s ability to carry out daily tasks. Bipolar disorder was previously known as manic-depressive illness or manic depression.

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Borderline Personality Disorder

Personality disorders represent a group of psychiatric conditions that involve long-term patterns of thoughts and behaviors that are detrimental to one’s well-being. These may include borderline, narcissistic, paranoid, schizoid, or histrionic personality disorder.

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Childhood Trauma Disorder

Childhood trauma is a significant issue, with studies indicating that a substantial number of individuals experience some form of trauma during their early years. This widespread prevalence often leads to long-term mental health challenges, underscoring the need for effective intervention and support.

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Co-Occurring Disorder

Approximately 9.2 million Americans have a co-occurring disorder involving mental illness and substance abuse. One chronic disease that is commonly found in those who abuse substances is mental illness.

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Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the US. Depression is a serious mood disorder that can cause severe symptoms affecting how a person thinks, feels, and handles daily activities

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Dissociative Disorder

Dissociative disorder is a mental health condition that affects a person’s identity, memory, and perception of reality. People with dissociative disorders may experience periods where they feel detached from their own thoughts, feelings, and memories.

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Impulse Disorder

Impulse disorders are a group of mental health conditions that involve difficulty controlling actions or behaviors. People with impulse control disorders experience strong urges to engage in certain behaviors that can have negative consequences on their personal and professional lives.

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Paranoid Personality Disorder

Paranoid personality disorder (PPD) is a mental health condition characterized by extreme and unwarranted suspicion, mistrust, and hypersensitivity towards others. People with PPD often have difficulty forming and maintaining close relationships due to their constant fear of being taken advantage of or betrayed.

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Postpartum Depression Disorder

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

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