Hazelden Publishing

Teen Matrix Model - program information

What Is the Matrix Model for Teens and Young Adults?

The Matrix Model for Teens and Young Adults, like the matrix model for adults, is a comprehensive, organized set of evidence-based therapeutic interventions. The Matrix Model for Teens and Young Adults consists of research-based techniques integrated into an approach that includes individual sessions, family sessions, group sessions, Twelve Step programs, and separate parent and adolescent substance-education groups. The complex social environment of the adolescent- including family, school, community, peers, and juvenile justice involvement - is an important consideration in developing appropriate treatment, as is the developmental stage of the adolescent. We recognize that many patients entering treatment during their teen years need programming that falls toward the middle of the prevention-treatment continuum. The material in this program was selected, organized, and designed to be delivered while taking all of these issues into account.

Who Developed the Matrix Model?

The Matrix Model of intensive outpatient treatment was developed by the Matrix Institute on Addictions, a nonprofit organization established in 1984 in Los Angeles, California. Its mission is to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by alcohol and other drug use through treatment, education and training, and research by promoting a greater understanding of addiction disorders. The Matrix Institute's primary goal is to improve the quality and availability of addiction treatment services. The focus of the Institute is to disseminate accurate, empirically based information in the health care system. Matrix clinics in the greater Los Angeles area serve as sites for many service projects administrated by the Institute as well as research studies conducted by investigators, many of whom are with the UCLA/ISAP. The projects conducted at the clinics are designed to carefully study the factors associated with addiction and recovery to promote a better understanding of the processes of addiction and recovery. Participating in this research and disseminating the findings to the widest possible audience are goals of the Institute. Matrix staff have published extensive information, and they conduct widespread trainings on a number of subjects regarding chemical dependency treatment.

Where can you use The Matrix Model for Teens and Young Adults?

As states are being required to produce measured, successful treatment outcomes to receive SAPT funding, proving effectiveness is more crucial than ever. If you work in one of the following settings, The Matrix Model for Teens and Young Adults can work for you:

• Outpatient treatment
• Community treatment
• Community corrections
• Methamphetamine-specific programs
• Hospital-based treatment including emerging programs in:
  • Psychiatric hospitals
  • Community health
  • Family programs
  • Private practice

  How does The Matrix Model for Teens and Young Adults help clients?

  • The client receives extensive information about issues critical to addiction and relapse.
  • The client's family takes an active role in substance-abuse recovery.
  • The explicit framework lets clients know exactly what is expected of them, alleviating anxiety.
  • Exercises that promote self-esteem, dignity, and self-worth.
  • Instructional design will turn basic information into "ah-ha" moments.

  How does The Matrix Model for Teens and Young Adults help the practicing professional?

  • It's manualized to save you the time, cost, and effort of creating an intensive outpatient program.
  • Can be used with all treatment clients and with any modality
  • Reproducible worksheets are cost-effective
  • Complimentary videos to add to your program

  What are the Differences Between Adult and Teen Matrix Models

  The Matrix Model for Teens and Young Adults is adapted from the adult version, which is recognized by SAMHSA as an evidence-based practice and listed in the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices. The teen Matrix Model has early-stage outcomes based on a small sample size due to the program's newness. Like the adult Matrix Model, these outcomes are excellent. In addition, the teen program draws from several of the successful cannabis youth treatment interventions and uses the adolescent community reinforcement approach and the family support network.

  • Content and style differences between the two programs are based on developmental considerations. These differences include:
    • Youth-friendly graphic design, illustrations, and stickers
    • Shorter group-session lengths to accommodate attention spans
    • Focus on issues faced by parents and caregivers of teens
    • Recommended social activity groups to help young clients focus before discussion groups
    • Optional use of more videos to effectively reach adolescent clients with important information