Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis every day or a few days per week. This is very helpful for many who have just completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with just a short history of drug use which is usually a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs which provide treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehabilitation option.