RecoveryWerks! is now offering a new level of care for teens and families impacted by substance use with Comal County’s first and only Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program, or IOP.

The program launched in October and provides recovery support services for teens and families in rural communities affected by substance use, according to a news release.

The goal of the program is to partner with local agencies and advocate for strong community support systems to reduce the stigma of addiction and increase recovery success, according to its website.

The details: The new program represents a significant expansion, providing a structured, evidence-based treatment option designed specifically for adolescents, according to the organization’s website.

An IOP is intended to bridge the gap between inpatient treatment and traditional outpatient services. Participants receive several hours of therapy and support each week while continuing to attend school and remain engaged in daily life, the release states.

A nationwide western wear store has opened another Texas location.

What you need to know: Cavender’s Boot City opened Dec. 12 at 1671 I-35 S., Ste. 208, store management told Community Impact. Cavender's has locations across Central Texas, including four in San Antonio and one in San Marcos, according to the store's locator map.

The details: Cavender’s sells an array of western clothing and workwear, from boots and pants to shirts and cowboy hats.

• 1671 I-35 S., Ste. 208, New Braunfels

Here are five of the most-read CI Texas stories from this year and the latest updates on these trending topics.

1. Texas Senate passes bill that would nearly double property tax exemption for seniors, people with disabilities: Elderly and disabled homeowners were set to receive a $200,000 property tax exemption this year.

2. Texas House bill would make it easier to remove students from the classroom: The law gives teachers more discretion to remove students from the classroom if they are repeatedly disruptive or threaten the safety of others.

3. What to know about the 17 state propositions on the Nov. 4 ballot: Nearly 3 million Texans voted in the November election, approving all 17 constitutional amendments.

4. Texas House bill would prohibit cellphone use in K-12 schools: Under House Bill 1481, cellphones and other personal communication devices are prohibited bell-to-bell in Texas public schools.

5. Texas families can now access 2022-23 A-F school accountability ratings after multiyear legal battle: The state later released ratings for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years in August.