Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services without the commitment you might usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to solve substantial drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or several days a week. This is helpful for many who have just completed a more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For an individual with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehabilitation choice.