The use of Matrix group therapy in alcohol dependent patients : Two-year follow-up

Abstract

Objective The matrix model was originally developed for stimulant-dependent patients.  This study evaluated the results of applying the model with alcohol-dependent patients by follow-up the participants for two years.

Materials and methods This study carried out at an outpatient clinic.  The treatment model was firstly run for the, at that moment, high epidemic amphetamine abuse and dependent patients.  It was later applied with other dependent behaviors including alcohol-dependence.  Participants were alcohol-dependent patients visiting a psychiatric outpatient clinic and those whom finished detoxification from inpatient setting.  The intervention consisted of three main group activities, i.e. early recovery group 8 sessions, relapse prevention group 32 sessions and family education group 12 sessions.  The group activities ran three times a week starting from 15 pm to 16.30 pm.  The contents of treatment activities were modified for suitably applying with alcohol-dependent patients.  The therapists were a psychiatrist and a psychiatric nurse or a psychologist trained in running group therapy with the matrix model.  The outcome was patientûs drinking status classified as çcleané çslipé and çrelapseé assessed by direct and/or telephone interview at 1, 4, 8 and 24 months after leaving the program.  Two çalumnié meetings were set up biannually for all group members to learn and
share their experiences, and program evaluation.