Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People who do decide on 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 weekly. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small amount of clients. For someone with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation programs which offer treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment alternative.