Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might usually have to consent to in 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 solve substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People who choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or a few days each week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For an individual with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities that provide rehab on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment alternative.