Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to take part in rehab services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People who choose an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis daily or several days weekly. This can be very helpful for those who have just completed a far more extensive 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 amount of clients. For a person with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment centers which provide treatment over a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment alternative.