Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis daily or a few days per week. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with just a short history of drug use which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For a person with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facilities which provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment choice.