Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services part-time each day or a few days a week. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a very small amount of clients. For somebody with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab alternative.