Intensive day treatment is often as effective as live-in treatment facilities, and is ideal for people that have a strong support system at home.

The opposite end of the spectrum is a program that offers only education and some counseling. This type of outpatient program can be a perfect fit for people who do not have severe addictions.

Outpatient programs, like live-in residential programs often include an analysis of the individual to find the underlying problems that may be causing substance abuse. An individual will then be given a plan based on their history of use and the type of drug abuse. For example, opiate users often require a different type of treatment than users abusing other types of drugs.

Some services that are often suggested to those undergoing outpatient drug rehabilitation are: behavioral counseling, mental health attention, job searching help, support groups, psychiatrist meetings, educational classes on drugs and how they affect a person, and regular visits with a counselor to discuss progress and revise the plan if it is not working.

Most of the time outpatient services are suggested for people after undergoing a live-in treatment. Through outpatient services individuals are able to begin working their way back into the community, but still have the support of those who helped them while they were in rehabilitation. However outpatient services are used, the main goal is that it helps the individual achieve a life without depending upon drugs or alcohol.