Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or a few days weekly. This is often helpful for many who have just completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For an individual with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs that provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.