Guardian Recovery—Dallas Addiction Center

How We Treat Addiction

At Guardian Recovery’s Dallas Addiction Center, we offer a spectrum of evidence-based clinical therapies and holistic approaches. We understand that addiction impacts every aspect of an individual’s life—physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and spiritually. Our approach meticulously addresses these facets to achieve lasting recovery, ensuring a well-rounded and profoundly effective treatment experience.

The 12-Step program is a cornerstone of recovery, deeply rooted in the principles of mutual support, self-examination, and spiritual growth. This approach, originally developed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), offers a structured pathway through which individuals can confront their addiction, acknowledge its impact on their lives and the lives of others, and take deliberate steps toward recovery. 

The benefits of the 12-Step method and/or secular alternatives are extensive, providing a supportive community where members share experiences, strength, and hope. By working through the steps, individuals learn to relinquish control over their addiction, make amends for past wrongs, and develop new, healthier coping mechanisms. The emphasis on spiritual growth—understood broadly as a search for purpose and meaning beyond oneself—helps many find a deeper sense of inner peace and resilience. 

Furthermore, the ongoing nature of meetings and the mentorship from more experienced members (sponsors) offer continuous support that is critical for long-term recovery. Our program not only aids in overcoming substance use but also fosters personal development and a sense of belonging, making it a powerful tool for achieving and maintaining sobriety.

Medical Detox

Once the body develops dependence on a substance, individuals typically experience withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped or significantly limited. With most substances, withdrawal is uncomfortable and emotionally troubling, often leading individuals to resume use to relieve the discomfort. However, withdrawal from some substances can be life-threatening without medical monitoring and intervention. 

At Dallas Addiction Center, we understand that a thorough medical detox is a pivotal first step in the path to overcoming addiction. Our team of licensed healthcare professionals and supportive staff collaborates to ensure a safe and comfortable detox experience.

Upon your arrival at our Plano-based detox facility, we carry out a comprehensive medical evaluation to customize the detox methods to your specific needs. In certain situations, medications may be dispensed under careful medical supervision. Beyond managing medication, we offer therapeutic care, holistic detox strategies, and a detailed overview of the subsequent stages of recovery. We encourage our clients to fully utilize our services and to rest in their comfortable rooms as needed. Nutritious meals are provided, and additional services are aimed at restoring physical health.

Once withdrawal symptoms have subsided and physical stability is achieved, you’re ready to move to the residential phase of our program.

Residential Treatment

Following detox, residential treatment plays a pivotal role in many individuals’ recovery. Often, this phase is the most delicate as clients transition from active addiction into the start of a new normal. However, they often lack coping mechanisms and skills to maintain recovery successfully. That’s where residential (aka inpatient) care steps in.  

Dallas Addiction Center offers a secure, substance-free sanctuary during this critical period. Along with 24/7 support and monitoring, clients benefit from a variety of effective treatment modalities all conveniently located under one roof. 

Clients engage in a full schedule of individual, group, and family therapy sessions, complemented by group excursions, educational seminars, peer support gatherings, and a host of other services and activities. Our approach is holistic, focusing on the healing of mind, body, and spirit, as we assist in building a robust foundation for sustained sobriety.

Therapeutic Modalities

• Individual Counseling: One-on-one sessions with a qualified therapist allow clients to explore personal issues in depth, uncover triggers for addictive behaviors, and develop coping strategies. These sessions are crucial for personalized care and are adapted to meet the unique psychological needs of each client.
• Group Therapy: Led by experienced therapists, group sessions provide a platform for peer support and shared experiences. Clients learn from each other, enhance their social skills, and build a community of support, all of which are vital for recovery.
• Family Counseling: Addiction affects not just the individual but also the family. Our family counseling sessions involve significant others in the recovery process, helping to repair relationships and establish a supportive home environment post-treatment.

Structured Environment

The residential treatment setting is designed to remove clients from the stressors and triggers of their everyday environment. This controlled, drug-free setting provides stability and routine, critical elements during the early stages of recovery. A typical day in our residential program includes scheduled therapy sessions, group meetings, recreational activities, and downtime, all organized to provide a balanced approach to recovery.

Tailored Treatment Plans

Recognizing that each client’s journey to recovery is unique, we tailor our treatment plans to fit individual needs. Upon admission, clients undergo a comprehensive assessment that informs the creation of a personalized treatment plan. This plan may include specific therapies, goals, and milestones that align with their personal recovery objectives.

Commitment to Long-Term Sobriety

Our goal is to equip each client with the tools, knowledge, and support network needed to maintain sobriety after leaving the residential setting. To this end, we focus on relapse prevention strategies, life skills training, and ongoing support options, including outpatient services and alumni programs.

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based approach that combines behavioral therapy with the use of FDA-approved medications to treat substance use disorders. MAT has proven highly effective in reducing opioid and alcohol cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and the risk of relapse. By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction, MAT empowers individuals to focus on their recovery without being consumed by intense cravings or debilitating withdrawal effects.

The medications used in MAT, such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone, work by normalizing brain chemistry and blocking the euphoric effects of opioids or alcohol. This allows individuals to regain control over their lives and participate more fully in their treatment and recovery process. Alongside medication, MAT programs provide comprehensive counseling, support groups, and other therapeutic interventions to address the underlying causes of addiction and develop healthy coping strategies.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the superior long-term outcomes of individuals who engage in MAT compared to those who attempt to overcome addiction through willpower alone or without medication support. By addressing addiction as a chronic, relapsing disease, MAT offers a compassionate and effective pathway to sustainable recovery, reducing the risk of overdose, improving physical and mental health, and enabling individuals to reclaim their lives.

Services and Therapies

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

We offer specialized treatment options for clients with dual diagnosis. Our integrated approach treats both the addiction and any co-occurring mental health disorders simultaneously, enhancing the chances for a successful recovery.

Therapeutic Services

At Dallas Addiction Center, our therapeutic services are designed to address the multifaceted nature of addiction, focusing on healing the mind, body, and spirit. We employ a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to support our clients through their recovery journey. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment that focuses on examining the relationships between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. CBT helps clients identify and challenge negative thinking patterns and replace them with more realistic and positive alternatives. Through CBT, individuals learn specific skills that allow them to counteract old habits and destructive behaviors with healthier ways to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides clients with new skills to manage painful emotions and decrease conflict in relationships. DBT specifically focuses on providing therapeutic skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT is particularly effective for individuals who experience intense emotions and is often used to treat conditions such as borderline personality disorder alongside substance abuse.

Trauma-Informed Care

Our trauma-informed care approach recognizes the prevalence of trauma in individuals with addiction issues and addresses the impact of trauma on an individual’s life and recovery process. This approach to therapy provides a safe environment where clients can explore their trauma-related issues without fear of judgment. It emphasizes understanding and recognizing and responding to the effects of all types of trauma, integrating this knowledge into all treatment practices to support holistic healing.

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, directive method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. It is an empathetic and respectful approach that honors the client’s autonomy and encourages openness to change. MI is particularly useful in helping clients realize their own reasons for change within an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion.

Relapse Prevention

Relapse Prevention therapy is a behavioral approach to helping clients recognize and manage relapse warning signs. It teaches individuals how to anticipate and cope with the potential challenges of relapse. This therapy emphasizes skill development, such as effective coping mechanisms and lifestyle changes, to help maintain sobriety. Through relapse prevention planning, clients develop a personalized strategy that includes identifying specific high-risk situations and the strategies to avoid or manage them.

Aftercare Planning

Addiction recovery is a lifelong journey, and aftercare is a crucial component to maintaining sobriety after completing a formalized treatment program. Aftercare provides ongoing support and resources to help individuals navigate the challenges of early recovery and prevent relapse. This may include a step down in care, continued therapy, support group meetings, sober living arrangements, and access to recovery coaching or mentorship.

Aftercare plans are tailored to the individual’s unique needs and may evolve over time as their recovery progresses. Regular check-ins with treatment providers allow for adjustments to the aftercare plan as needed. Participation in aftercare has been shown to significantly improve long-term outcomes, as it helps build a solid foundation for sustainable sobriety.

Addiction does not have a one-size-fits-all solution, and the path to recovery is different for everyone. Embracing aftercare as an integral part of the recovery process equips individuals with the tools and support system necessary to manage triggers, cope with cravings, and make healthy lifestyle changes that support their sobriety.