Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug rehab center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services part-time on a daily basis or several days weekly. This can be very helpful for those who have recently completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehab centers which provide rehab over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehabilitation choice.