Substance abuse treatment isn't a one-size-fits-all proposition, and at no time is that more apparent than with young clients ages 12 to 24. Add social and developmental factors that continue to evolve in a young person's life, and treatment becomes extra challenging.

Hazelden, publisher of The Matrix Model, the premier evidence-based curriculum for adult stimulant abuse, is releasing a youth version of the Matrix Model this month. The Matrix Model for Teens and Young Adults is a 16-week intensive outpatient program (IOP). Also known as the Teen Matrix Model, the program gives young clients the knowledge, structure, and support to evaluate the significance of their drug and alcohol use, move them to a place of abstinence, and provide support for sustained recovery.

The Teen Matrix Model is adapted from the original Matrix treatment model, which SAMHSA lists on its National Registry of Evidence-based Programs. Both youth and adult treatment models are developed by the Matrix Institute of Addiction. The California-based institute developed the Matrix treatment model in 1986 in response to emerging stimulant addiction on the West Coast. The Matrix Institute was also featured in the recent HBO documentary Addiction.

The Matrix Model for Teens and Young Adults is recognized as an exemplary program in Treating Teens: A Guide to Adolescent Drug Programs. The Teen Matrix Model takes into account the stages of youth substance abuse and tailors evidence-based practices accordingly. It also addresses challenges not faced by adult clients: Why don't my parents trust me? How can I keep my grades up without using? Where can I find sober friends?

The youth treatment model differs in several ways from the adult model. Session lengths are shorter to accommodate youth attention spans. The Family Program features two subgroups, one for patients and one for parents/caregivers, allowing both groups to process information in ways that work best for them. The Parent Education/Support Group provides an opportunity for adults to discuss parenting challenges. The Adolescent Education Group bolsters alcohol and drug education with peer support, physical activity, and video programs.

Outcomes are early stage as opposed to the multiple-year outcomes of the adult Matrix Model, but are nonetheless excellent. As publisher, Hazelden has manualized the Matrix treatment model--putting it into a written form that can be used across facilities, ensuring fidelity.

Teen Matrix Model components include a therapist's manual packaged in a three-ring binder, a family component, three lecture videos, print stickers to track alcohol- and drug-free days, a slide guide to help parents recognize signs and symptoms, a complimentary CD-ROM from NIDA, and a CD-ROM of all handouts and worksheets with a discounted package of seven DVDs.

In addition to adapting written content, Hazelden revamped the graphic design of patient materials. Senior acquisition editor Richard Solly explains, "The handouts and worksheets are created with the teen in mind. Innovative design styles and graphics capture and hold one's attention, enhancing the learning experience for teens."

To learn more about The Matrix Model for Teens and Young Adults, free information kits are available by calling 800-328-9000.

--by Susan Maricle

Published in The Voice, Summer 2007