Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or a few days each week. This is very helpful for those who have recently completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a very small percentage of clients. For a person with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers which offer rehab on a long-term basis will be the more effective rehabilitation choice.