Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to solve substantial substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services part-time on a daily basis or several days each week. This is helpful for those who have recently completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small number of clients. For someone with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab programs that provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab choice.