THE MATRIX MODEL: A RESEARCH-BASED THERAPY FOR THE STIMULANT DEPENDENT
Abstract
According to AddictionSearch.com, drug and alcohol addictions have a profound effect on all areas of an addict’s life. Treatment programs provide users with useful tools to help focus on things other than drugs, and to combat the various detrimental effects substance abuse can have on a substance user. Cognitive- behavioral treatment (CBT) provides tools by approaching alcohol and drug dependence as a learned process. CBT searches to identify roles and any other specific needs which substances fill, and to then alter certain behaviors (Kadden, 2002). CBT also identifies triggers or cues which may lead a user to want to use drugs (Kadden, 2002). The Matrix model is an example of one treatment approach to drug and alcohol addiction which integrates components of cognitive-behavioral therapy in addition to a host of other treatment methods (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 2006). The Counselor’s Treatment Manual: Matrix Intensive Outpatient Treatment for People With Stimulant Use Disorders from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 2006) states that in the 1980s, the Matrix Intensive Outpatient Treatment for People With Stimulant Use Disorders model evolved from the need for a treatment which was successful in treating those addicted specifically to methamphetamines and cocaine (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 2006). Substance dependence is becoming commonplace in today’s society. It is important that those addicted to substances have options to assist them in living a sober life. As long as they are educated about the benefits, approach, and goals of different treatment approaches, people addicted to drugs and alcohol can choose a therapy that will suit their specific needs. Overall, this thesis has a primary purpose and a secondary purpose: 1) This thesis will describe the evolution, approach, and goals of the current Matrix model of drug and alcohol addiction therapy; 2) Secondarily, this thesis will compare the Matrix model to the more widely recognized cognitive-behavioral therapy approach.