HSV532: DBs Unit 6
HSV532: DBs Unit 6: DB 6.1
Summary of the Matrix Model
The Matrix Model is an evidence-based, structured outpatient treatment approach designed for individuals struggling with stimulant use disorders, particularly methamphetamine and cocaine addiction (Center, 2024). This was developed in the 1980s, combining CBT, MI, contingency management, and the 12-step facilitation approach to weave a multifaceted approach. The lack of aggression and focus on the client means forced cooperation is established between the client and therapist for the sessions to continue on the path to recovery: HSV532: DBs Unit 6.
Basic Ideas Incorporated in the Model
The Matrix Model entails specific timelines for admission, daily schedules, skills training, a reward system, concepts of relapse, and successive relapse management planning. Self-care is recommended for clients as the patients should have family participation, peer support, or 12-step groups. Random urine drug testing is also applied to crack down and make people disciplined and avoid returning to their previous ways.
Five Types of Sessions Used
The Matrix Model comprises five kinds of sessions that are helpful to those in recovery. Individual/Conjoint Sessions may involve goal formation, relapse prevention, and other specific aspects of treatment that instill great potential for a client to interact directly with a therapist. Secondly, the Early Recovery Skills Group is designed to provide clients with tools to deal with cravings, stress, and withdrawal symptoms. According to the principles outlined by the Relapse Prevention Group, clients learn about high-risk situations and coping mechanisms as well as long-term goals (López et al., 2021).
Consistently, the Family Education Group educates the family on dealing with addiction, recovery, and how they can support someone who is struggling. Last would be the Social Support Group (Continuing Care), through which individuals are assisted in developing new friendships depending on their sobriety.
Intensive Treatment vs. Continuing Care Phases
The intensive treatment is a sixteen-week program where the clients go through multiple sessions in a week to help them overcome substance dependency and develop coping mechanisms. The aftercare stage is next where individuals continue with a few sessions as well as peer support groups to progress in recovery. Therefore, by grouping structured interventions, skill development, and sustained support, the Matrix Model can be considered an effective tool for treating stimulant addiction (López et al., 2021).
References
Center. (2024). Chapter 8. Intensive outpatient treatment approaches. Nih.gov; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK64102/
López, G., Orchowski, L. M., Reddy, M. K., Nargiso, J., & Johnson, J. E. (2021). A review of research-supported group treatments for drug use disorders. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, 16(1), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-021-00371-0
DB 6.2: Effectiveness and Application of the Matrix Model
Research Supporting the Matrix Model
The Matrix Model has been extensively researched and is considered one of the most effective outpatient treatments for stimulant use disorders. According to Mosel (2023), the Matrix Model is efficient since it offers an organized, culturally, and clinically comprehensive treatment plan that includes psychotherapy, information, and social interaction. According to research, Matrix-based treatment programs can cater to a significant number of clients, with better results when it comes to retention; additionally, clients in these programs develop better coping skills (Sohrabi et al., 2022). Further, controlled and randomized studies have demonstrated lower probabilities of relapse to the use of drugs and better long-term soundness (Mosel, 2023).
Two Examples of How the Matrix Model Can Be Useful
Treating a Young Adult in Early Recovery
A 22-year-old man addicted to methamphetamine with desire and cravings and experiencing pressure from his peers could use the Early Recovery Skills Group. This subcomponent of the Matrix Model helps the clients learn how to cope with withdrawal symptoms and high-risk situations. By acquiring new behaviors and learning ways how to avoid relapse after completing the rehabilitation process, the young adult can work towards a long-term change.
Supporting a Working Professional
In light of this, the Matrix Model is suitable for a working person who cannot afford to attend inpatient treatment programs. The Relapse Prevention and Social Support evening Groups also help patients sustain employment while receiving treatment. Structured therapy along with peer support, ensures that the professional is not only committed to the program but is also able, at the same time, to meet family and work commitments (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020).
Application in an Outpatient Substance Use Treatment Clinic
The Matrix Model can be implemented in an outpatient treatment clinic because it is practical, customizable, and proven to have good results. Due to the combination of treating the addictive substance and the utilization of group therapy, and patient support, the Matrix Model is highly appropriate for patients diagnosed with stimulant addiction in that they seek lasting recovery.
References
Mosel, S. (2023, March 13). The matrix model of addiction treatment: A guide. American Addiction Centers. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/therapy-treatment/matrix-model
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020, July). Treatment and recovery. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery
Sohrabi, M., Safarzadeh, S., & Hooman, F. (2022). The effectiveness of group dialectical behavior therapy and structured matrix treatment on quit addiction self-efficacy, distress tolerance, and mindfulness in individuals with stimulant drug abuse. Journal of Health Reports and Technology, 8(4). https://doi.org/10.5812/jhrt-127427
DB 6.3: Case Study – Lloyd
How the Matrix Model Can Help Lloyd
Lloyd is a 23-year-old single male with a five-year history of methamphetamine use, primarily through injection. He is currently having complications in his health, such as collapsed veins and severe stomachache, admitted to be a result of drug abuse. He comes for treatment to treatment primarily to pass the drug test required for union membership, which raises concerns about his commitment to long-term sobriety. Additionally, given Lloyd’s suicidal tendencies, incorporating mental health care into his substance dependence treatment plan is crucial.
The Matrix Model could provide Lloyd with clear guidance, ways of preventing relapse, and supportive resources. Furthermore, the Social Support Group can assist him in building a network of sober social contacts since he is surrounded by active drug users. The key element in this stage would be the Relapse Prevention Group, which should help him control potential triggers and high-risk situations.
Benefits and Limitations of the Matrix Model for Lloyd
Benefit: Structured Support System
Lloyd lacks a stable and supportive environment, making structure and accountability essential for his recovery. The Matrix Model’s weekly group and individual sessions would provide him with consistent guidance, motivation, and skill development.
Limitation: Low Motivation for Long-Term Sobriety
Lloyd’s primary goal is passing a drug test, not sustained recovery. His lack of motivation may make long-term engagement difficult. However, Motivational Interviewing, which is integrated into the Matrix Model, could help him explore his readiness for change and develop a deeper commitment to sobriety (Arbuckle et al., 2020).
Lloyd’s Treatment Progression and Potential Obstacles
Early Recovery (Weeks 1-4)
Lloyd would attend individual meetings and early recovery skills groups to learn how to deal with withdrawal symptoms. However, a possible challenge is that he might limit his active involvement in treatment to only passing necessary assessments for the drug test.
Intensive Treatment (Weeks 5-16)
Lloyd would attend Relapse Prevention and Family Education Groups to enhance his coping mechanisms in overcoming emotional issues. A possible challenge is that he might continue falling in with other drug users, thus rejecting abstinence and relapse.
Continuing Care (Post-Treatment)
Lloyd would transition to weekly Social Support Groups to reinforce long-term recovery. Consequently, a potential obstacle is that his suicidal ideation requires additional mental health support, possibly including psychiatric evaluation and counseling (Harmer et al., 2024). Overall, the Matrix Model can be a robust base treatment when it comes to Lloyd’s rehabilitation, but it may require the use of other treatments to help him improve. Notably, substance use and mental health disorders must be treated concurrently to ensure comprehensive and effective care.
References
Arbuckle, M. R., Foster, F. P., Talley, R. M., Covell, N. H., & Essock, S. M. (2020). Applying motivational interviewing strategies to enhance organizational readiness and facilitate implementation efforts. Quality Management in Health Care, 29(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1097/qmh.0000000000000234
Harmer, B., Lee, S., Duong, T. vi H., & Saadabadi, A. (2024, April 20). Suicidal ideation. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565877/
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Question
DB 6.1
- In thinking about your required reading in terms of the Matrix Model, please summarize this treatment model. What are the basic ideas incorporated this treatment model? Please summarize your thoughts. Please be sure to also discuss the 5 types of sessions [1) Individual/Conjoint Sessions, 2) Early Recovery Skills Group, 3) Relapse Prevention Group, 4) Family Education Group, and 5) Social Support Group (Continuing Care)]that are used and the differences in the intensive treatment and continuing care phases.
NOTE: You must make at least 1 substantial posting and 2 substantial replies to this thread. You must participate in the Unit discussion board (making postings/replies) at least 3 days per unit to qualify for full credit and also have at least 1 posting by Wednesday at midnight. You also must use APA style in your posting and replies so please use in-text references and provide a reference to give proper credit to the authors.
DB 6.2
- Permanent behavior change with a chronic and progressive disease such as addiction is hard to maintain. From your reading, please explain the research which suggests that the Matrix Model has been proven useful in several studies. Please summarize the findings from your reading and also explain at least 2 examples in which the Matrix Model could be useful with the clients you will be treating in the future.
Please explain the setting in which you hope to work (if you are unsure pick one of interest) and how the Matrix Model could be used successfully. Be sure to provide details to support your ideas.
NOTE: You must make at least 1 substantial posting and 2 substantial replies to this thread. You must participate in the Unit discussion board (making postings/replies) at least 3 days per unit to qualify for full credit and also have at least 1 posting by Wednesday at midnight. You also must use APA style in your posting and replies so please use in-text references and provide a reference to give proper credit to the authors.

HSV532: DBs Unit 6
DB 6.3
Lloyd is a 23 year old single male who chose to move to Dallas, Texas instead of going to college. He has been working as a plumber’s assistant for the last couple of years and will soon get his union membership. However, he has to pass a drug test which has brought him to treatment at your agency presently. “Then I could bid on city jobs and make a very comfortable living.” As it is, he makes pretty good money when jobs are around.
During lean times he works on cars and motorcycles on the side. He reports an active social life with his friends and all of them do some type of drug or another. Lloyd prefers to smoke or shoot methamphetamine and has done so for 5 years. He reports that he prefers to inject meth but many of his veins have collapsed leaving few options.
Lloyd says he doesn’t do any other drugs but has tried them all. Occasionally he will drink some Scotch but lately his stomach has been really giving him trouble. Sometimes it will feel like multiple stab wounds in my gut that go on for hours. It really has me scared.
He’s seen his doctor and she prescribed some Demerol and an antacid. He’s pretty sure it’s related to his drug use.
Lloyd tells you quite frankly that when he gets too bad and too sick from the drugs he’ll take himself out. “Hey, I think of suicide from time to time. If it gets really bad? I mean.”
In thinking about Lloyd’s case, please answer the following questions:
- -How might the Matrix Model help Lloyd? What are some benefits and limitations to this model in thinking about Lloyd’s case? Please be sure to discuss at least 2 benefits or limits and elaborate on your thoughts.
- -In thinking about your readings, how might Lloyd progress through the stages of treatment? Please discuss the process of treatment for Lloyd and any potential obstacles that might occur during each stage. Be sure to share examples and elaborate on your thoughts.
NOTE: You must make at least 1 substantial posting and 2 substantial replies to this thread. You must participate in the Unit discussion board (making postings/replies) at least 3 days per unit to qualify for full credit and also have at least 1 posting by Wednesday at midnight. You also must use APA style in your posting and replies so please use in-text references and provide a reference to give proper credit to the authors.
Readings:
- Please read the Matrix Model of Intensive Outpatient Treatment by Rawson & McCann (2006) by clicking HERE
- Please read A Multi-Site Comparison of Psychosocial Approaches for the Treatment of Methamphetamine Dependence by Rawson et al. (2003) by clicking HERE
- Optional but Recommended: Please view these helpful treatment manuals that can be used in your future sessions and to get a good orientation to how treatment using the Matrix Model is structured by clicking Counselor Manual – OR Client’s Treatment Manual OR Client’s Treatment Companion
