Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or several days a week. This is helpful for those who have just completed a 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 someone with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab option.