Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that choose an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or a few days weekly. This can be very helpful for individuals who have just completed a more extensive 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 very small number of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more effective rehab option.