Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible 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 and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time daily or a few days weekly. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For a person with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehab programs which provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehabilitation option.