Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or a few days per week. This can be very helpful for those who have just completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For an individual with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehab facilities that provide rehab over a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment option.