Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment you might usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People that choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services part-time on a daily basis or several days weekly. This is helpful for those who have just completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For an individual with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation centers which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment alternative.