What is drug abuse?

https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/drug-addiction/effects-of-drug-addiction

"What is drug abuse?"

Drug abuse information clearly states drug
abuse is an extreme desire to obtain, and use,
increasing amounts of one or more substances.
Drug abuse is a generic term for the abuse of
any drug, including alcohol and cigarettes.
When considering, "what is drug abuse?" one
should remember drug abuse is not the same
thing as drug dependence or drug addiction.
Drug dependence or addiction indicates a
psychological or physical dependence on the
drug to function. Drug dependence requires the
symptoms of withdrawal if the drug is
discontinued, whereas drug abuse does not.1
Drug Abuse Info - Who Falls Victim to Drug
Abuse?
Anyone can become a drug abuser. Drug
abuse information indicates that all ethnicities,
ages, social groups and genders can have drug
abuse problems.
Drug abuse is not a character flaw but rather a
medical condition that has developed over time.
While no one knows why one person becomes
a drug abuser while another doesn't, drug
abuse does tend to run in families. (read about
the causes of drug abuse)
The National Institute on Drug Abuse indicates
the following risk factors for developing drug
abuse problems (typically seen in
adolescence):2
 Unstable home environment, often due to
drug abuse or mental illness of the parent
 Poor relationship with parents
 Inadequate supervision over adolescent's
activities
 Use of drugs by friends / peers
 Permissive attitude towards their own drug
use and the drug use of the adolescent
 Behavioral problems combined with poor
parenting
 Poor achievement in school
 Apparent ambivalence or approval of drug
use in the school, peer group or community
  Availability of drugs in the community, peer
group or home
What Drugs Are Abused?
Drug abuse can be abuse of any chemical
substance including cigarettes, inhalants,
alcohol and others. Drug abuse information
shows both legal and illegal drugs can lead to
drug abuse. In short, any drug that can be used
can also be a drug of abuse.
Categories of drugs commonly seen in drug
abuse cases include:
 Legal, over-the-counter - Includes drugs like
alcohol and cigarettes
 Legal, prescription - includes drugs like
methadone, oxycodone and Zolpidem
 Chemical - includes drugs like inhalants
 Illegal - includes drugs like marijuana,
opiates (like heroin), stimulants
(like methamphetamines and cocaine) and
hallucinogenics (like acid)
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Drug addiction is not a character flaw
or a lack of willpower but is actually a mental
illness and should be treated as a medical
issue, just as any other illness.
What is Drug Addiction? - Meaning of Drug
Addiction
Drug addiction has a number of different
definitions, varying by medical body. The
commonality among drug addiction definitions,
however, is the inability to stop using the drug
in spite of numerous attempts. The symptoms
of drug addiction include:
 The drug user has developed a drug
tolerance, needing to consume increasingly
greater quantities to experience the desired
effect
 The drug user experiences withdrawal
symptoms when not using the drug
 Drug use is continued in spite of harm
caused to the drug user, the drug user's life
and the lives of those around the user
Drug addiction, as a term, is not defined in
the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders (DSM). Instead of drug addiction, the
DSM uses the term "drug dependence" and
also includes "drug abuse." Both of these are
considered to be substance use disorders.3
When Does Drug Addiction Start?
Most drug use begins in adolescence, often
with experimentation with prescription drugs,
cigarettes or alcohol (read: teen drug abuse).
While almost half of 12th-graders admit to taking
an illicit substance at some time in their lives,
drug addiction information shows the vast
majority of these people will "phase out" of drug
use and never meet the criteria for drug
addiction or drug abuse.
What Drugs Cause Drug Addiction?
Drug addiction information indicates any type of
drug can be abused or cause drug addiction.
Drug addiction involves easily accessible drugs
like tobacco and alcohol, as well as illegal drugs
like cocaine and heroin. Some drug addictions,
like alcoholism, appear to be declining, while
others, like methamphetamine addiction, is on
the rise.
Drug addiction info indicates the following drugs
and drug types are commonly associated with
drug addiction:4 5
 Alcohol - most widely abused drug with 20%
of users becoming dependent on it at some
point
 Opiates - substances derived from the
opium poppy, the most common drug
addiction is that of heroin
 Cocaine, crack - up to 10% of users go on
to heavy drug use
 Amphetamines - like crystal meth, use on
the rise in rural communities
 Hallucinogens - like PCP, LSD
and marijuana, often combined with other
drugs
 Prescription medication - such as
oxycodone and morphine
 Other chemicals - like tobacco, steroids and
others
Drug addiction is not a character flaw or a lack
of willpower but is actually a mental illness and
should be treated as a medical issue, just as
any other illness.

SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE - SYMPTOMS OF

DRUG USE AND DRUG ABUSE

Signs and symptoms of drug use and drug

abuse are critical to know if you suspect
someone is using drugs. Some signs of drug
abuse or use are easily seen by those around
the drug user, but others are more subtle. It's
important to remember though, even if signs
and symptoms of drug abuse are seen, only a
professional evaluation can truly say if the signs
are those of drug abuse and not another
behavioral or psychological condition.
Signs of Drug Use and Symptoms of Drug
Use
Symptoms of drug use can often be spotted if
risk factors for drug use have been identified.
Risk factors for drug use include:
 Easy availability of drugs
 Drug users in the family
 Friends who are drug users
 An unhappy home life
 A mental illness
If a person has these risk factors, it's
reasonable to look for symptoms of drug use.
The first sign of drug use is often a change in
behavior. The user may lose interest in
activities and hobbies and spend more time
with friends than at home. Another symptom of
drug use is sleeping changes and decreased
performance at work or school. These
symptoms of drug use may indicate another
problem; however, so it's important to talk to the
individual directly to confirm what you're really
seeing are symptoms of drug use.1 (read
about:drug abuse effects)
Other signs and symptoms of drug use include:
 Smell of drugs on person and clothing
  Constant discussion of drugs
 Pressuring others to do drugs
 Frequent washing of clothes, showering or
spraying room deodorizer to remove drug
smells
 Presence of drug paraphernalia like a pipe,
bong or rolling papers
 Changes in mood such as anxiety or
depression
 Skin that is cool and sweaty or hot and dry
 Needing more money or unexplained
expenses
Drug Abuse Symptoms
While the above are signs and symptoms of
drug use, the signs and symptoms of drug
abuse tend to be more severe. Signs of drug
abuse are more pronounced as the user now
has an extreme urge (craving) to use the drug.
The user is no longer experimenting with the
drug; they now feel a need to use it.
Symptoms and signs of drug abuse vary
depending on the specific drug, but typically
seen across all drugs is the exclusion of
activities in order to use the drug. When the
person no longer participates in anything but
drug use, it is a clear sign of drug abuse.
Further decreased performance in work or
school and a vast change in mood and sleep
are also signs of drug abuse.
Additional signs and symptoms of drug abuse
include:
 Unusual, bizarre behavior
 Abnormal vital signs like respiration, heart
rate and blood pressure
 Confusion
 Chest or lung pain
 Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain
 Diseases such as hepatitis B or C, or HIV
from needle-sharing
 Frequent hangovers
 Hiding drugs

ADDICTION TREATMENT AND DRUG

RECOVERY

Drug addiction treatment was sought by people 23.5

million people, age 12 or older, in the U.S. in
20091but only a fraction of those achieved drug
addiction recovery. This is likely due to the complex
factors, including changes in brain chemistry,
associated with drug addiction. Critical to successful
drug recovery is medical services, behavioral and
personal counseling, and an ongoing support system
to prevent future relapse.
Drug Recovery - Detox Treatment of Drug
Addiction
Detoxification is the term given to the short period
after the drug addict quits a drug, when withdrawal
symptoms are at their worst. Detoxification
treatment of drug addiction may be done inpatient at
a hospital or drug addiction treatment center, or may
be done on an intensive outpatient basis with the
addict checking in with medical staff frequently.
Detoxification drug addiction programs are designed
to handle withdrawal effects like hallucinations,
cravings and seizures.
During detox, drug addiction treatment patients are
often prescribed medications to help with
withdrawal symptoms. Drugs commonly prescribed
during detox treatment of drug addiction include:
 Tranquilizers - like benzodiazepines for anxiety
or sleep
 Pain medication - over-the-counter or prescribed
 Anti-nausea / anti-diarrhea medication
 Antihistamines
 Methadone / opiate blockers
 Other medications for symptom management
Drug Addiction Programs
Once detox treatment of drug addiction occurs, a
drug addiction program typically starts. A drug
addiction program may be done at a drug addiction
treatment center, hospital or other community
facility. Drug addiction programs are designed for
both residential and outpatient treatment of drug
addiction. The choice of drug addiction program is a
personal one but is generally influenced by:
 Cost
 Location
 Schedule
 Availability
 Number of previous attempts at drug addiction
recovery
 Severity and length of addiction
 Drug abused
 Age / gender of addict
Drug addiction programs consist of multiple types of
treatment including medical, psychological and
behavioral treatments (read: drug addiction therapy).
Drug addiction programs are designed to give an
addict all the tools they need to be successful in drug
addiction treatment and maintain drug addiction
recovery over the long-term.
Drug Addiction Recovery
The goal of all drug addiction treatment programs is
drug addiction recovery. While addiction is
considered to be a lifelong illness, drug recovery can
be achieved through drug addiction treatment and
maintained through drug recovery services such as
support groups. Drug addiction recovery can also be
aided by residing in a sober living community.
Once in recovery, relapse is common, but this
doesn't have to derail drug addiction recovery. While
a relapse is discouraging, it should not be seen as a
failure. Recovery is a lifelong process and a slipup is
normal. A relapse can be seen as a way to learn from
a mistake. Attending drug addiction recovery
groups, seeing a counselor, talking to a sober friend
or seeing a doctor can all be used to get back on the
path of drug addiction recovery.

THE MATRIX MODEL

Written by: Eric Patterson, MSCP, NCC, LPC
Edited by: Amanda Lautieri
Last updated on March 4, 2021
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woman-therapist

ABOUT THE MATRIX MODEL

The Matrix Model is a style of treatment designed to
aid in recovery from stimulant substances like
methamphetamine and cocaine. The method was
created in the 1980s and has seen widespread
success. The Matrix Model is:

An integrative treatment. It includes aspects of many

different therapeutic styles and psychological
orientations.
An intensive outpatient program (IOP). It entails
several hours of treatment each day, several days per
week while allowing the client to still live at home.
A highly-structured program. The entire model is
thoroughly designed and engineered with planned
topics and sequencing for each session and phase of
treatment.
A time-limited treatment. The model is intended to
last for 16 weeks, but it can be extended for a year
depending on the needs of the client.
A proven treatment. Multiple studies have shown
benefit of the treatment based on extending recovery
and client consistency. Beyond stimulants, the model
is helpful for a range of substance use issues. The
efficacy has been so clear that many organizations
support the treatment protocol, including the
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Don’t wait. Call us now.
Our admissions navigators are available to help 24/7
to discuss treatment.
Call (888) 744-0069

Helpline Information
THEORY AND FOUNDATIONS
The ability of the Matrix Model to bring together the
most effective facets from the most effective styles
makes it a successful treatment type for people new
to recovery as well as those who have not found
success previously.

Some treatment plans will find their basis in one

psychological orientation. For example, contingency
management (CM) gathers its views from
behaviorism and bases all of its methods from this
position. Though this can be valuable, it can be
limiting as gaps in the treatment may appear. Since
the treatment approach of the Matrix Model is
integrative, it utilizes specific aspects of several
beneficial treatment styles including:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

Motivational interviewing.
Behaviorism.
Supportive/ person-centered therapy.
Family, couples, and marriage therapy.
Group therapy with emphasis on social skills.
12-step groups and meetings.
The ability to bring together the most effective facets
from the most effective styles makes it a successful
treatment type for people new to recovery as well as
those who have not found success previously. All of
the methods are tested for their effectiveness and
appropriateness for the population being treated.

THE DUTY OF THE THERAPIST

The integrated approach of the Matrix Model
requires a therapist that is highly skilled and
adaptable to a variety of situations and styles. The
most appropriate therapist will be one that is
experienced in CBT, motivational interviewing, and
the physiology behind addiction.

In the Matrix Model, the therapist will:

Fusce vitae
Facilitate group, individual, and family sessions.
Coordinate with other therapists and social services
to benefit the client.
Encourage attendance and participation in 12-step
meetings.
Engage the client in notions of cognitive-behavioral
therapy to understand connections of thoughts,
feelings, and behaviors.
Praise and reward desired behaviors.
Provide consistency and structure to teach the
expectations in place for the client.
Since the Matrix Model is not based in
confrontation, the therapist will develop a position as
a teacher and a coach. It will be the duty of the
therapist to create a safe, nonjudgmental
environment based on positivity and openness. The
therapist will build an empathic understanding with
the client and promote their needs.

THE MATRIX MODEL STRUCTURE

The intensive outpatient program structure of the
Matrix Model means that the client will be involved
in treatment each day of the week.
Generally, the client will attend formal treatment 3
days per week, addressing a number of topics.
Typically, this treatment will include multiple types
of individual and group therapy for several hours.
The other days of the week, the client is prompted to
attend informal treatment like 12-step meetings.

Formal Treatment in the Matrix Model

INDIVIDUAL/FAMILY SESSIONS
During the course of treatment, the therapist will
incorporate techniques from CBT while using
motivational interviewing skills to reduce
ambivalence in the client. At times, significant
others and family members will be included in these
sessions to address the current needs of the client
while educating the family members on issues
associated with substance abuse, addiction, and
dependence.

EARLY RECOVERY SKILLS (ERS) GROUP

The Matrix Model has 8 group sessions focused on
early recovery skills that are to be completed over
the first month of treatment. These last for less than
an hour and are co-facilitated by the therapist and a
client that is established in recovery. This group is
intended to be more educational than therapeutic.
The ERS group is focused on two concepts:

The client has the power to increase the odds of

abstinence and the ERS group will help with this.
Individual treatment can be helpful, but someone
attempting to achieve lasting recovery will benefit
most from also attending community-based groups.
RELAPSE PREVENTION GROUP
This group is scheduled to meet at the beginning and
end of each week during the Matrix Model. These
sessions last for 90 minutes and focus on the idea
that relapse is a predictable, nonrandom event that is
obvious to the therapist and other clients. The goal
of these groups is to educate the client and identify
the signs of relapse early so it can be prevented.
Topics involve:

Shame, guilt, and resentment.

Finding appropriate uses of time.
Measures to build motivation.
Identifying triggers of relapse.
Building self-monitoring skills while downplaying
the role of willpower.
FAMILY EDUCATION GROUP
The Matrix Model believes that treatment outcomes
grow when the entire family and support network of
the client are active in treatment. The family will
learn information related to addiction and recovery.
Additionally, they will receive education regarding
the signs of relapse and ways to modify their
behaviors to be more desirable and helpful for the
client. Both clients and their families are encouraged
to attend these weekly sessions together. These
groups can expand on information discussed during
the individual/ family sessions.

SOCIAL SUPPORT GROUP

During active substance abuse, many people lose
their ability to interact appropriately with others.
Perhaps, some people in recovery never obtained
desirable social skills during childhood like patience
and dealing with rejection. The social support group
works to move the person in recovery away from
substances and towards a lifestyle based on being
healthy and substance-free. This group begins in the
third month of treatment and will continue for 36
weeks.

The period following the 16th week is called

continuing care. Someone new to the social skills
group will practice their skills with someone who
has achieved a longer period of recovery. In this
case, the group is mutually beneficial since the
member with longer recovery will gain a sense of
accomplishment by helping others.

In addition to the structure outlined above, the

Matrix Model uses weekly urine testing and breath
tests to monitor all substance use. The testing will be
done randomly, but since the program is not
confrontation or punitive, positive testing results will
not result in dismissal from the program. Rather, it
will be a point of discussion within treatment.

PROGRAM PRINCIPLES
The Matrix Model has 8 principles that guide
treatment and boost efficacy. All of these being
completed will lead to better results for the client.
They include the importance of:

8 GUIDING TREATMENT PRINCIPLES

Respect
Follow-through on structure and expectations
Quality educational content
Varied treatment approaches
Reward and encouragement
Engagement and Education
Participation in self-help and community-based
programs
Periodic drug testing
Building a strong, respectful relationship between
therapist and client.
Following through on the structure of the program
and the expectations of the client.
Providing quality educational content to the client
that explains the nature of substance use.
Using varied treatment approaches like CBT and
motivational interviewing to meet the client’s needs.
Rewarding and encouraging the desired behaviors
while extinguishing the negative behaviors.
Engaging and educating the family about addiction
and recovery.
Motivating members to participate in self-help and
community-based programs in addition to the Matrix
Model.
Checking for substance use with urine testing.