Drug Treatment Outcomes Using the Matrix Model in an Outpatient Setting with Minority Clients

Background: The Minorities Overcoming Risk (MOR) program uses the Matrix Model in an outpatient setting. Methods: Data collection included the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) form administered at baseline (intake), 6-month follow-up, and discharge from the treatment program. As a SAMHSA—funded program, an 80% follow-up rate was required. A total of 1477 interviews (baseline/intake=565; 6-month follow-up=422; discharge=490) were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a Tukey test to determine changes from baseline to follow-up and discharge in the number of days used alcohol, marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine/crack and any other illegal drugs (heroin, inhalants, hallucinogens, other opiates). Results: Data on 530 clients were collected from 2009-2011. The majority of clients were male (371/530; 70%) and African American (212/530; 40%) or Latino (283/530; 53%). Significant reductions were found in the mean number of days used alcohol from intake (M=2.86, SD=5.99), six-month follow-up (M=1.45, SD=4.37) and discharge (M=1.33, SD=2.87), F(2,1167)=11.61, p<.0001; mean days used cocaine/crack from intake (M=0.82, SD=3.49), six-month follow-up (M=0.24, SD=2.31) and discharge (M=0.522, SD=3.46), F(2,1167)=4.09, p=.02; mean days used other illegal drugs from intake (M=4.13, SD=7.97), six-month follow-up (M=1.53, SD=4.94) and discharge (M=1.75, SD=5.52), F(2,1167)=21.05, p<.0001; and mean days used marijuana from intake (M=2.54, SD=6.83), six-month follow-up (M=0.73, SD=3.36) and discharge (M=0.90, SD=3.73), F(2,1167)=15.67, p<.0001. There was no significant difference from baseline to follow-up and discharge on mean days used methamphetamine. Discussion: The program showed reductions in the abuse of several drugs. It may be difficult to achieve reductions in methamphetamine use in an outpatient setting.