Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to solve substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. People that decide on an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or several days per week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment programs that provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab option.