Matrix Model Basics
The Matrix Model was originally developed in the 1980s specifically to treat an epidemic of this drug.
What is Cocaine (or stimulants)?
This acronym stands for the set of symptoms that persist weeks or months after acute withdrawal.
What is PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome)?
This acronym describes four high-risk states: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired.
What is HALT?
This is the very first stage of the Matrix Model, lasting from days 0 to 15.
What is Withdrawal?
Q: This is the difference between a "slip" (brief use) and a "relapse" (return to old patterns).
What is a Lapse vs. Relapse?
This 12-step organization is specifically for those recovering from stimulant use.
What is C.A.?
This is the survival-based part of the brain that triggers cravings.
Limbic System (or Amygdala)?
This is the typical duration of the intensive phase of a Matrix Model program.
What is 16 weeks?
This "feel-good" neurotransmitter is often depleted in the brains of stimulant users.
What is Dopamine?
This type of trigger involves specific people, places, or things associated with use.
What is an External Trigger?
This stage (days 45–120) is characterized by a high risk of relapse due to boredom and low energy.
What is The Wall?
This technique involves calling someone as soon as you think about using.
What is Reach out before you check out?
This is a peer-led support group that is an alternative to 12-step programs, focusing on self-empowerment.
What is SMART Recovery?
This is the term for a house where people in recovery live together in a drug-free environment.
What is Sober Living?
Group Members fill these three forms out every Monday when you come to group.
What are the weekly scheduled, Release Prevention Plans, and SMART goals?
This is the average timeframe it takes for brain chemistry to significantly stabilize in recovery.
What is 6 to 18 months?
This type of trigger involves feelings like anxiety, boredom, or depression.
What is an Internal Trigger?
This "colorful" term describes a period of early sobriety where everything feels deceptively easy and wonderful.
What is the Pink Cloud?
This is a written document outlining what a person will do if they feel they are in danger of using.
What is a Relapse Prevention Plan?
This is the term for a person in a 12-step program who guides a newcomer through the steps.
What is a Sponsor?
This is the recommended amount of sleep for someone in early recovery to help the brain heal.
What is 7 to 9 hours?
This specific type of therapy used in the Matrix Model focuses on changing thought patterns to influence behavior.
What is CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)?
This term refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself and heal after long-term substance use.
What is Neuroplasticity?
This technique involves waiting out a craving until it peaks and then fades away, like a wave.
What is Urge Surfing?
These are the three main components of a recovery schedule.
What are Work, Sleep, and Recovery Activities?
This is the process of identifying "red flags" that occur before a relapse.
What is Warning Sign Identification?
This is the importance of "Social Support" in the Matrix Model.
What is Breaking isolation?
A profound, often sudden realization where an individual clearly sees the destructive impact of their addiction on their life, relationships, and well-being, acting as a powerful catalyst to seek change or recovery.
What is a Moment of Clarity
This is the term for the specific Matrix sessions involving the client’s spouse, parents, or significant others.
What is Family Education?
This term refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself and heal after long-term substance use.
What is Neuroplasticity?
This is the term for mentally following a "high" to its ultimate negative conclusion (jail, sickness, etc.).
What is thinking the tape through?
This is the primary goal of the "Adjustment" phase.
What is Maintaining a New Lifestyle?
In the Matrix Model, this is the first thing a client should do if they have a lapse.
What is Tell their counselor/group immediately?
This type of recreational activity is encouraged in the Matrix Model to help rebuild dopamine levels naturally.
What is Exercise?
This part of the brain, responsible for decision-making, is often "off-line" during active addiction.
What is the Prefrontal Cortex?
The Matrix Model is described as this, meaning it uses various proven methods like CBT, DBT, and 12-step facilitation.
What is Evidence-Based?
In the "Wall" stage of the Matrix Model, this common emotional symptom often leads to relapse
What is Anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure)?
This is a planned action to take the moment a craving hits, such as calling a sponsor
What is a Coping Strategy?
The term for the unintentional return to old thought patterns before the actual use occurs.
What is a Dry Lapse?
This is the practice of being present in the moment to manage stress.
What is Mindfulness?
This is the ultimate goal of the Matrix Model—not just abstinence, but a...
What is a Meaningful Life?
This refers to the "automatic" thoughts that lead to cravings.
What are Intrusive Thoughts?