AN INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT APPROACH FOR COCAINE ABUSE TREATMENT - THE MATRIX MODEL

The Matrix model of outpatient treatment was developed during the 1980 s in response to an overwhelming demand for cocaine abuse treatment se rvices. The model was constructed using components based upon empirica lly supported findings from the substance abuse research field. Over T he course of development, data were collected on the treatment model a nd the model was modified based upon empirical evaluation. A pilot stu dy comparing the Matrix outpatient model with an inpatient hospital tr eatment program produced preliminary support for the clinical utility of the model. An open trial comparing publicly and privately funded pa tients demonstrated that patients with fewer resources were more diffi cult to engage and retain in this model of outpatient treatment. In a controlled trial, a clear positive relationship was documented between duration and amount of treatment involvement in the Matrix model and positive outcome at 1 year. Due to a variety of methodological issues, the study was not able to answer definitively the question of clinica l efficacy. In all of these studies, patients treated with the Matrix model demonstrated statistically significant reductions in drug and al cohol use and improvements in psychological indicators. This body of w ork, along with the public acceptance the model has received in the tr eatment community, support the usefulness of this intensive outpatient approach for cocaine abuse. Further research is underway to provide a dditional controlled information on the value of this treatment approa ch.