Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to solve substantial drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. People that choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis every day or several days per week. This is often helpful for those who have just completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a short history of drug use which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For somebody with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers that provide rehab on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab option.