hello

Union County recently received grant money to fund a facility for treating meth addiction. The new program, aptly named New Hope, is attracting lots of attention and speculation.

People are asking, "How can a counselor help? What good will it do? Is there any hope for a meth user?"

Kim Waters-Rose, of New Hope Counseling, recently introduced the Matrix Model to the local advisory board. She advised that people "google it" for more information. For people without internet access, the following information information may answer a few questions.

The Matrix Model is an outpatient treatment approach for individuals with cocaine and meth use disorders. Developed during the 1980's in response to an overwhelming demand for stimulant abuse treatment services, the goal is to provide a framework within which stimulant abusers can cease drug use, learn about issues critical to addiction and relapse, receive direction and support from a trained therapist, and become familiar with self-help programs.

The Matrix Model is a federally recognized model. It's a proven effective protocol that has been used in the treatment of over 2,500 methamphetamine addicts. The program includes education for family members affected by the addiction. It also requires that the therapists use a combination of skills simultaneously. Therapists must be teacher and coach. The therapist fosters a positive, encouraging relationship with the patient and then uses that relationship to reinforce positive behavior change. The interaction between the therapist and the patient is realistic and direct but not confrontational or parental.

Treatment options include individual sessions, family educational groups, early recovery skills groups, relapse prevention groups, conjoint sessions, urine tests, 12 step programs, relapse analysis, and social support groups. The treatment process stresses that staying drug and alcohol free does not depend on strength. People maintain abstinence by being smart. The key to not using is to keep far away from relapse situations. Smart people stay sober by avoiding triggers for as long as possible. "Be Smart, Not Strong!" seems to be a much better motto than "Say no to drugs!"

Many issues are confronted in addiction treatment. Boredom, depression, money issues, stressful job situations, and health issues are just a few. Waters-Rose says, "Meth users must change play-mates and play-grounds."

Overcoming meth addiction is not easy, but there is hope. With professional treatment strategy, support from loved ones, and lots of prayer, our community can pull itself out of this "made under the kitchen sink" drug mess that threatens us all. For more information about New Hope Counseling see the website at http://newhope-counseling.com.