Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or several days weekly. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For somebody with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab programs which offer treatment over a long-term basis will be the more effective rehabilitation option.