Individuals who want to maintain some 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 take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would ordinarily 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 individuals who need to solve significant drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis daily or a few days per week. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For an individual with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs which provide rehab over a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment option.