Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve significant drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services part-time daily or a few days a week. This is very helpful for many who have just completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For somebody with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment centers which provide rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehab alternative.