The Effectiveness of Matrix-Based Interventions in Changing Locus of Control, Reducing Craving, and Reducing Tendency to Crystal Use in Inpatient men

The consumption of crystal disrupts the brain and cognitive functions and generates a severe craving in users. The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of matrix-based model in changing the locus of control, reducing craving, and reducing tendency to use crystal in inpatient men.
A quasi-experimental research method along with pretest/ posttest and control group was used for the conduct of this study. From among the crystal addicted men under treatment in the addiction clinic of Rasht, 20 participants were selected via purposive sampling and were randomly assigned to two groups, i.e. one experimental group and one control group. Intervention based on the matrix model was administered to the experimental group in 24 group sessions, whereas the control group did not receive any intervention. At the end of the intervention, the level of craving and tendency to use crystal was measured in all participants again (posttest) and the data were analyzed by MANCOVA.
The results indicated that the intervention based on matrix can significantly reduce locus of control, craving, and tendency to use crystal (P The findings of this research provide some evidence that the intervention based on matrix model is an appropriate educational- therapeutic method for changing locus of control and reducing the level of craving and tendency to use crystal.