The matrix model in organizational theory

¶ … Matrix Model was created by the Matrix Institute on Addictions at the University of California in Los Angeles during 1984. The Institute is a non-profit organization that concerns itself with creating integrated programs to most effectively deal with drug and alcohol addiction treatments. The Matrix Model is considered to be one of the most successful of such treatments implemented to date. Indeed, many institutes of treatment have documented the success of the model, including the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), and the National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA).

The Model consists of a 16-week treatment program that is individualized for each patient's specific needs. In addition, professionals working on the program are continually researching the issues related to drug and alcohol abuse, and updating the information that is available in this regard. Hence they are also able to help families who are struggling with this problem. The ultimate aim in working with both patients and their families is long-term recovery.

Although the program is focused on all forms of alcohol and drug treatment, the greatest and most publicly known success has been achieved with patients with an addiction to Meth. Indeed, so strong is the association of the model with this specific addiction, that some believe that the model is specifically created only for such patients. Although it is not true, this misconception can be understood in the light of the specific successes with Meth addicted patients. Such successes include the fact that these patients attended clinical sessions more regularly, maintained longer periods of treatment more successfully, and abstained from the drug for a longer time than patients not enrolled in the Matrix model of treatment.

The matrix model is effective for a variety of reasons. Not least of these is the fact that it includes the family of the patient, who has been affected by the addiction. The model recognizes the significant role that the family can play in therapy for the patient, and also that the family members themselves may be in need of therapy in order to fulfill this role effectively.

The vital role of the therapist is also recognized in the Matrix model. Indeed, the role of therapist entails being both coach and teacher to the patient and family. In this way, a helpful and encouraging relationship is created by which the patient is encouraged to feel secure and accepted. Treatment is therefore not focused simply upon removing the addiction, but also upon removing its root causes, such as lack of self-esteem and any other social or personal problems the patient may be experiencing. In this way, the model is flexible and is modified to suit the specific needs of the patient and the family. As such, the therapist works on creating a positive environment for the patient in which dignity and self-esteem can flourish.