Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or a few days a week. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For somebody with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation centers which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective treatment option.