Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug rehab program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or several days a week. This is helpful for many who have recently completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a really small number of clients. For an individual with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facilities that provide treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehab choice.