Abstinence from opioid use is typically assessed by urine drug testing or self-report. Contingency Management (CM) has been found to moderately increase opioid abstinence during treatment. It also has medium to large effects on reducing the use of other drugs, like stimulants or cigarettes, among those being treated for opioid addiction.

Treatment retention is defined as the duration for which individuals remain in treatment; this is typically measured by attendance at outpatient appointments. CM has a significant positive impact on attending therapy sessions and adhering to medication regimens as prescribed.