The Star Matrix Assessment Update and 2019 Goal
For the Intensive we have developed the Star Matrix model as an assessment tool. The Star Matrix takes the dualistic question “Am I an addict?” and asks for a much more nuanced evaluation of the problem. The one question becomes many:
“Is there a genetic predisposition for addictive use?”
“Do I have a go or stop button when I ingest chemicals?”
“Do I get a euphoria when I use?”
“What is the frequency, duration and intensity of my use?”
“Are there co-existing mental issues, traumas, physical issues, etc. that complicate my use/recovery?”
“What are the external factors that have happened? Traumas? Divorce? Legal Issues? Job Issues? etc.”
By looking at the above factors we know that each person’s substance use issue is different in complexity and there is a unique solution for each person because of this complexity. We found that people, due to specific complexities of their issue with use/misuse of substances, need a different and specific method of recovery.
For example, Mary came into the Intensive after three DUIs in a six-month period. She was in the middle of a tumultuous divorce and conflict with her family of origin. It would have been easy to put the label alcoholic on her and send her to AA. Instead we utilized the Star Matrix Assessment system and discover some surprising facts that altered the way we saw her “addiction.” First, she had abused alcohol twice in her life. The first time, when her mother was very ill, and it was believed she was going to die and this current situation in a very difficult divorce process. It was also discovered that she had suffered severe trauma growing up. She had extreme emotional and physical abuse growing up and into early adult hood. She had lived a very controlled life to try to keep all these issues at bay. When her life began to feel out of control with divorce, she did not have the skills to cope with the unknown and the re-traumatizing of herself with this difficult divorce. She is the kind of person who would not do well with self help meetings but would do much better with supportive and trauma therapy, teaching of appropriate boundaries, and the teaching of feeling and expressing her emotions in an appropriate manner. She did need to discontinue her alcohol consumption as it was making all her other symptoms more acute. At the same time, she did not fit the traditional definition of an alcoholic.
What we have learned in the Intensive is that every person fits into their own unique category. There are certain tools that will help each individual such as teaching of boundaries, feedback, family systems, how our thoughts can become beliefs that hurt us and that each person needs to develop their own recovery model that works to them, that recovery model will be different for each person. We then use the Multi Model Recovery Process to assist them with developing their own plan.
We are at the point in our research and development where in 2019 we begin to work on an app that can be utilized by other professionals to measure where an individual is on the continuum. From the app the development and data that come back from the app we hope to develop a model where it is clearer on the front end what type and length of treatment would be best for each individual.
