Matrix Model for Addiction Treatment

Addiction is characterized by the compulsive, uncontrollable use of a substance, despite harmful consequences.¹ When drug or alcohol addiction is diagnosed by a medical professional, it is called a substance use disorder (SUD).²

Behavioral therapy is a cornerstone of addiction treatment. Behavioral therapy provides coping strategies for dealing with cravings and other triggers fueling unhealthy substance use, improved communication strategies, and skills to prevent relapse, among many other benefits.³

One effective, evidence-based behavioral therapy for addiction treatment is the Matrix Model.³ This article will discuss what the Matrix Model is, how it works, how it is helpful as a part of treatment, and the benefits of the Matrix Model in addiction recovery.

Find Matrix Model Treatment Near You

American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading treatment provider and has trusted rehab centers across the country. Contact an admissions navigator at  to learn more about addiction treatment and rehabs that offer the Matrix Model.

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What Is the Matrix Model?

Created in the 1980s as a response to the cocaine and methamphetamine epidemic, the Matrix Model of treatment is presented in a structured format that uses a cognitive behavioral approach.⁴ The core components of the model include a collection of group sessions (early recovery skills, relapse prevention, family education, and social support) and individual therapy sessions, along with encouragement to participate in 12-step activities. Together with contingency management, the Matrix Model is one of the best evidence-based treatments for stimulant use disorder.⁵

How Does the Matrix Model Work?

The Matrix Model uses a structured process with individual, family, and group therapy to provide treatment and education on topics designed to promote abstinence and recovery.³

Patients are monitored for drug use through urine testing.³ Matrix Model participants will use a handbook with information and worksheets that guide the treatment process. Some of the topics covered in the model include:⁶

The Matrix Model approach is built on core beliefs about effective treatment:

• The relationship between the patient and the therapist is of primary importance. To this end, therapists provide positive, supportive, nonjudgmental interactions throughout the treatment process.⁴
• Engaging the family system in the recovery process is vital. The program provides education and family therapy in rehab.⁴
• Structure in early recovery is important. The model provides teaching on how to create schedules, structure, and routines, to promote recovery.⁶
• Information is important. The Matrix Model uses psychoeducational lectures to provide useful information about drug use, emotions, behavior, and other topics related to recovery and relapse prevention.⁴
• Relapse prevention is vital to successful recovery. The model provides education regarding how to recognize early signs of relapse and planning ahead to be able to cope with high-risk events.⁴

Goals of the Matrix Model

The primary goal of the Matrix Model is to provide empirically sound, practical therapy approaches to help people develop understanding and skills that promote successful, sustained recovery from substance use disorders.⁴ The model is designed to increase knowledge, develop skills, and plan for ongoing recovery support and strategies.⁴

Does the Matrix Model Help in Addiction Treatment?

Yes, several studies show positive impacts of the Matrix Model approach to drug and alcohol treatment. Studies show that treatment using the Matrix Model can result in improved psychological symptoms, reduction in substance use, and reduction in high-risk sexual behaviors associated with HIV transmission.³

Benefits of the Matrix Model for Drug and Alcohol Addiction Recovery

Studies show that there are many benefits to participating in a program that uses the Matrix Model. Some of these benefits include:⁷

• Increased effectiveness of treatment.
• Reduced incidences of relapse.
• Reduction in depression, anxiety, and anger.
• Improved family relationships.

The Matrix Model approach can also be combined with other treatment interventions, such as contingency management and 12-Step programs, to increase effectiveness.^3,5

Behavioral treatments such as contingency management, cognitive behavioral therapy, and treatment regimens that mix the two approaches, such as the Matrix mode, remain the best evidence-based treatments for stimulant use disorder.⁵

As part of a comprehensive treatment plan, there are many benefits to participating in therapy, such as the Matrix Model.³ Therapy can help you to engage in the treatment process and provide an incentive to continue.³ Therapy can also provide a supportive recovery community and help you to learn skills to create an ongoing, healthy drug- and alcohol-free life.³

Therapy can be an integral part of an intensive treatment process and has been shown to be very effective as a component of continuing care as you establish a stable recovery.³ Studies show that the longer someone continues to engage in treatment, including therapy, outpatient addiction treatment programs, and recovery support groups, the more likely their substance use disorder will remain in remission.⁸

Does Insurance Cover the Matrix Model in Rehab?

Most insurance companies are required to provide some level of coverage for therapy and substance use treatment, which includes the Matrix Model. If you find a rehab facility that accepts health insurance coverage for rehab and offers the Matrix Model, it should be covered at some level. However, the amount of coverage will be determined by your insurance company.

You may be responsible for a co-pay and/or deductible, and there may be out-of-pocket expenses in treatment that your insurance doesn’t pay for.⁹ The deductible is the amount that you pay before your insurance starts paying for services.⁹ For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible, you pay the first $1,000 of your bill.⁹ The copay is the flat amount that you pay for a service once you’ve met your deductible.⁹

For example, if you have paid your deductible and you have a $30 copay for doctor visits, no matter what the bill is for a visit, you only pay the $30.⁹ Out-of-pocket expenses include the deductible, copay, and any services that just aren’t covered by insurance.⁹ This could be a test ordered by a doctor that your insurance plan doesn’t cover.⁹

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) states that mental health and treatment for substance use disorders are considered to be essential health benefits, and all marketplace insurance plans must cover these services at the same level as coverage for physical health.¹⁰

Find Rehabs That Use the Matrix Model Near You

If you or someone you love are struggling with addiction, treatment using the Matrix Model can offer support, skills, and a plan for getting you back to the life you want. If the Matrix Model is an important component of the type of treatment you’re looking for, there are rehab facilities that provide this approach.

Detox and rehab services via inpatient or outpatient care can be very effective in helping develop a strong recovery.³ Treatment programs offer social support, skills development, and planning for ongoing recovery.³ The Matrix Model is shown to have positive impacts on long-term recovery.³

To start the process, you can verify your insurance online, or call us at .