Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment you might normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve significant substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or several days a week. This is helpful for many who have just completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is usually a very small number of clients. For someone with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab programs which offer treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehab alternative.