Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in rehab services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis every day or a few days a week. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For somebody with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation centers which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.