Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug rehab center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services part-time on a daily basis or a few days weekly. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small amount of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs which offer treatment on a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment choice.