Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services part-time on a daily basis or a few days each week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with just a brief history of drug use which is usually a very small amount of clients. For somebody with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation centers that provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab choice.