Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or several days a week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For a person with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment centers which offer rehab on a long-term basis will be the more effective rehab alternative.