Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time every day or several days a week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation programs which provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehabilitation choice.