Outpatient treatment, even intensive outpatient treatment wasn't proving to be enough in many cases. Often inpatient treatment wasn't proving to be effective or lasting, even with strong aftercare approaches. And most compulsive gamblers can't afford it anyway. It seemed obvious that compulsive gamblers needed long-term support for their recovery, after office hours and on weekends, late at night, early in the morning - sometimes a lot of support.

There were many examples of solutions for other addictions such as Residential Treatment Centers, Halfway Houses, etc., but none of those available were gambling specific, and many were too costly, certainly out of reach for most debt-ridden compulsive gamblers. In a meeting of the Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico (12 Tribal Casinos that have been collaborating on the social issue of problem gambling for 15 years now) one of the members, Delyliah Felipe of Sky City Casino, suggested that a new residential recovery model could be devised, one that could be cost effective and gambling specific. The Evolution Group, Inc.'s Director, Daniel Blackwood agreed and together with the staff undertook a pilot project called Integrity Recovery House. In July of 2007 with support from Sandia Resort and Casino, Santa Ana Star Casino, and the Tribal Casinos of the Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico, Integrity Recovery House for Men became a reality. In March of 2008 the Women's House became a reality.

Integrity Recovery House offers a structured residential living environment for problem gamblers wanting recovery from gambling disorders. The structure is based on Integrity Recovery, the core curriculum and compatible workbook of The Evolution Group, Inc. which operates the recovery houses. Integrity Recovery holds that bringing balance within one's life will achieve a return to integrity (soundness) that is a powerful agent for healing and change. The Evolution Group, Inc. approaches treatment from a distinct philosophy of wellness focusing on the strengths rather than the weaknesses of the client.

The interventions done with clients help identify motivational factors which will maximize successful treatment outcomes. The model combines recovery house living with intensive outpatient treatment, giving New Mexico its first ever gambling specific facility in a top-quality environment. People wanting to inquire can call 505-242-6988 ext.112.