Matrix Model for Substance Abuse Treatment
The Matrix Model for adolescent substance abuse is a series of 
evidence-based treatment interventions that assist youths and teens in entering and maintaining sobriety. The organizing principles of the program are:
- Establish a positive and collaborative relationship that is accepting and non-judgmental.
- Coach youths about addiction and relapse prevention methods along with the recovery process.
- There is a focus on using cognitive-behavior processes that have proven effective.
- Educate the family regarding addiction and recovery.
- Introduce and encourage self-help participation.
- Monitor drug use.
The Model, specifically adapted for adolescents incorporates:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Contingency Management (a reinforcement treatment method which encourages positive behavior change)
- Twelve Step Facilitation
- Therapy focusing on issues facing families
These interventions are integrated into the following substance education and support groups:
Individual Adolescent Therapy
Family Therapy (including Family Education and Support and Multi-Family Group)
Group Therapy (including but not limited to the following)
- Early Recovery Skills
- Relapse Prevention
- Social Support
Separate Parent – Adolescent Therapy
Individual and family therapy allows for participants to engage in the treatment process, to assess their level of commitment to treatment, and to prepare them for a stage of change.
Individual Therapy assists the adolescent in understanding the skills learned in groups, the process of their addiction and the function of their addiction. In addition, individual therapy assists youth in connecting mental-health symptoms and interpersonal dynamics to substance abuse through exercises that promote self-esteem, dignity and self-worth.
Family Therapy teaches skills to better manage the process of change within their family and addresses dynamics that may enable substance abuse and / or contribute to relapse. It also assists with communication, problem solving and limit setting, and helps the family support one another through the process.
The Early Recovery Skills Group is designed for adolescents early in recovery. The group assists the youth or teenager in gaining a deeper understanding of the function of their substance abuse. It also helps them to recognize triggers, understand the relapse cycle and grasp the stages of recovery. Lastly, this group educates them on refusal skills, adaptive coping skills and replacement behaviors.
The Relapse Prevention Group assists the youth in maintaining sobriety post treatment. This group is supportive and educational in nature -- providing adolescents with education about the dangers of relapse, how to avoid relapse, identifying triggers and the importance of sobriety.
Family Education Support Group educates family members about the value of supportive change, and assists family members in raising awareness of substance abuse, while also providing parenting skills.
Adolescent Education Support Group provides youth with more information about substance abuse, and the dangers associated with recreational drug use. It’s another opportunity to encourage abstinence and a commitment to sobriety.
The Matrix Model has been recognized as a proven evidence-based program for substance abuse disorders. It is federally recognized by the Center for Substance Abuse (CSAT), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), The Office of National Drug Control Policy and Department of Justice and listed on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP).