This program is for adults who are addicted to stimulants such as methamphetamines and cocaine.

The Matrix Model®, an intensive outpatient program, is designed to engage participants in treatment and help them achieve abstinence from stimulant use.

Results of several evaluations of the Matrix Model indicate mixed short-term findings with some evidence that program participants were more likely than members of a comparison group to complete treatment and to avoid methamphetamine use while in treatment. However, these findings were inconsistent. Furthermore, there were no differences between members of the treatment and comparison groups 6 and 12 months after beginning the program, which indicates a lack of sustained effects. Results from one study among methamphetamine-dependent patients and caregivers indicated significant decreases in depression and anxiety and significant increases in quality of life at 6 months following the intervention; however, there were no measures of drug use in this study.

The Matrix Model is an intensive outpatient program, and family involvement is highly encouraged. The program covers key areas including individual and group therapy, early recovery, relapse prevention, family education, social support, and drug-screening strategies. In addition, participation in a Twelve Step program is encouraged throughout. The program includes the following eight principles that guide treatment:

• Respect – create a positive, encouraging, and respectful relationship between the therapist and participant;
• Follow-through on structure and expectations – conform to the structure of the program and meet the participant’s expectations;
• Quality educational content – offer accurate information to the participant about substance use;
• Varied treatment approaches – use a variety of treatment techniques to meet the participant’s needs;
• Reward and encouragement – encourage and reward positive, desired behaviors while eliminating negative behaviors;
• Engagement and education – engage and teach the family about addiction and recovery;
• Participation in self-help and community-based programs – encourage participants to join additional self-help and community-based programs; and
• Periodic drug testing – use urine testing to check for substance use.

The Matrix Model is based on an integrated therapeutic model. This program draws elements from multiple approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement, couples and family therapy, individual supportive/expressive psychotherapy, group therapy, contingency management twelve-step facilitation, and social support.

The Matrix Model has been used in the treatment of more than 6,000 cocaine and 2,500 methamphetamine addicts.

This program is facilitated by therapists who have experience in CBT, motivational interviewing, and the physiology of addiction. Optional on-site and online training options are available. A 2-day Key Supervisor Training Workshop costs $1,000 per person, and a 2-day Core Training Workshop costs $800 per person. For more information, please contact the Matrix Institute by phone 1-800-310-7700 or visit https://www.clarematrix.org/

Considerations for implementing this program include acquiring therapists and ensuring they are offered training, obtaining buy-in from clients, and finding time and space to deliver program sessions.

The Clearinghouse can help address these considerations. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

If you are interested in implementing the Matrix Model, the Clearinghouse is interested in helping you!
Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

Participants are involved in treatment 7 days a week. Formal treatment sessions (e.g., individual or group therapy) are held three times per week for 16 weeks. During the other days of the week, participants attend informal treatments, such as twelve-step meetings. The program may be extended up to 12 months, if needed.

The basic Matrix Model package costs $745. Please visit https://www.hazelden.org/store/item/311126 for more information. An online subscription to the program costs $1,799 per year for 1-10 clinicians or $2,399 per year for 11-25 clinicians. Please visit https://www.hazelden.org/web/public/tod-matrix.page to learn more.

To move the Matrix Model to the Unclear 0 (mixed) category on the Clearinghouse Continuum of Evidence, at least one evaluation should be performed demonstrating positive effects lasting at least one year from the beginning of the program or at least six months from program completion.

The Clearinghouse can help you develop an evaluation plan to ensure the program components are meeting your goals. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

Contact the Clearinghouse with any questions regarding this program.
Phone: 1-877-382-9185 Email: Clearinghouse@psu.edu

You may also contact Hazelden Publishing by mail P.O. Box 176, Center City, MN 55012-0176, phone 1-800-328-9000, or visit https://www.hazelden.org/store/item/311126 or contact CLARE/MATRIX by mail 2644 30th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405, phone 1-310-314-6200, or visit https://www.clarematrix.org/training/the-matrix-model/.

https://www.clarematrix.org/, https://www.hazelden.org/web/go/matrix, https://drugabuse.com/treatment/matrix-model/, and https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/evidence-based-approaches-to-drug-addiction-treatment/behavioral-therapies/matrix