Outpatient treatment for substance abuse refers to services that address a client's substance abuse or dependence while permitting the client, as much as possible, to continue daily life functioning outside of treatment. Examples of outpatient treatment include medication maintenance, standard outpatient, intensive outpatient, and day treatment. Services that may overlap with outpatient treatment include ambulatory detoxification, continuing care, and street outreach. Determination of appropriate treatment placement involves a number of factors, including medical history and status, co-occurring psychiatric conditions, environmental risk issues, and history of previous treatment.

According to the most recent data available from the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services, at least 80% of all substance abuse treatment facilities are outpatient programs, and approximately 90% of clients receiving treatment are in outpatient programs. ...