Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab center. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve substantial substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services part-time each day or a few days each week. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is really a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab centers that provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more effective rehab choice.