Matt Hawk, B.Sc., ADC (IC&RC), CAC II (ADACBGA)

Clinical Editor

Matt Hawk, B.Sc., ADC (IC&RC), CAC II (ADACBGA)
Clinical Editor for Narconon, Matt Hawk

With 16 years in the field of drug and alcohol addiction, Matt began with hands-on experience where he developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Over the years, this foundational experience led him to pursue certification, and he is now an Internationally Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor.

With degrees in Computer Science and Physics, the topics of evidence-based practices and statistical outcome monitoring quickly became a growing interest of his. This unique academic background has instilled in him a commitment to analytical thinking that informs all his editorial work. When evaluating research or explaining treatment methodologies, he applies the same scientific rigor that guided his academic training.

Currently pursuing a Master's degree in Computer Science with research focused on statistical modeling for evidence-based outcomes and healthcare privacy systems, he remains at the cutting edge of how technology intersects with addiction treatment. This ongoing scholarship enables him to translate emerging research into clear, actionable information for readers.

What sets his editorial perspective apart is this interdisciplinary background—a bridge between clinical practice, scientific methodology, and technological innovation. Readers benefit from content that has been carefully crafted to be scientifically sound, clinically relevant, and compassionately framed by someone who understands the field from multiple dimensions.

Having experienced addiction firsthand, Matt's own journey of recovery informs his work in profound ways. His personal story is evidence that not only is recovery possible, but it can bring a lifetime of rewards. This lived experience, mirrored by thousands of individuals he has helped throughout his career, makes his perspective uniquely authentic and hopeful. Matt's personal and professional path reflects the transformation possible when expertise meets compassion in the field of addiction treatment.

Articles reviewed by Matt Hawk:

10 Reasons Fentanyl is Deadly

Fentanyl is now the leading cause of drug-related deaths in the U.S., claiming nearly 80,000 lives annually. Its extreme potency, widespread use in counterfeit pills, and contamination of other drugs make it a threat to every drug user. If someone you know is struggling with addiction to fentanyl or any drug, don’t wait—take action now. The next time they use a drug, it could be their last.

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Narconon Arrowhead Community Open House

A strong local community plays a vital role in the success of any drug rehabilitation center. At our center, this supportive network includes treatment providers, successful graduates who have achieved lasting sobriety, and friends and family members of our students. This sense of community is fundamental to helping people overcome drug addiction and rebuild their lives.

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Drug and Alcohol Addiction and Drug Rehab in Texas

The proximity of Texas to the border means that the state acts as a major conduit for drugs entering the country. At Narconon drug rehab centers, many people from Texas have found lasting recovery from addiction to these drugs. For those looking for drug rehab in South Texas, just a few miles from McAllen in a calm, peaceful setting is Narconon South Texas.

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Amphetamine Abuse Treatment

What are amphetamines? This article examines amphetamines, their history, what they’re used for, the harmful effects users may experience, and what to do when someone cannot stop using amphetamines on their own.

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Drug Information: Oxycodone

Oxycodone has been prescribed for decades, yet the use of the pain reliever is not without risk. Even when used as recommended, oxycodone is addictive, mind-altering, and has the potential to be habit-forming.

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These Illicit Drugs Can Destroy Your Lungs as Well as Your Life

Discover how illicit drugs wreak havoc on lung health, leading to conditions like pneumonia, emphysema, hemorrhage and asphyxia. Learn about the risks posed by substances from alcohol to heroin and the importance of seeking help for addiction. Stay informed to protect both your health and your life.

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Kratom Information

Kratom has emerged on the drug use scene across the United States as an alleged alternative to opioid pain relievers. But is kratom a safe alternative? Or is it just another addictive drug?

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Drug Information: Opioids

Opioid addiction has stood at the center of the American drug addiction crisis since the late 1990s when pharmaceutical companies began aggressively promoting opioid painkillers to doctors and patients. But what is the scope of opioid addiction today?

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Drug Use and Cardiac Complications Go Hand-in-Hand

A paper published by the European Society of Cardiology found a connection between drug use and serious heart complications requiring intensive cardiac care unit treatment. Further, the research indicated addicts might experience long-term health complications even after ceasing drug use.

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Opioid Users Are Overwhelmingly Exposed to Fentanyl

A survey out of New York City found something quite alarming. According to the survey, about 80% of IV drug users in New York City tested positive for fentanyl, but only 18% intended to use that specific drug. These findings showcase the harmful issues of fentanyl being laced into the drug supply, how most addicts don’t go looking for this drug, and how many users end up getting it in their system anyway, almost always without knowing.

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Alcoholic Liver Disease Deaths are on the Rise

This article ties in recent data from a study on alcoholic liver disease with new data from the NIAAA on alcohol consumption in the U.S., showing how America’s increase in alcohol consumption directly affects lifespan and quality of life for millions of people.

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Prevention Does not Work Without Treatment, the Story of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs

Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) rose to prominence in the early-2000s as a watchdog system for curtailing overprescribing and the diversion of pharmaceuticals into the hands of addicts, not patients. Twenty years later, research shows PDMPs only work when drug rehab is included for those addicted. When rehab is not included alongside PDMPs, addicts seek hard street drugs, and overdoses follow.

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