Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address substantial substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or several days per week. This is often helpful for many who have just completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For somebody with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment centers which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab alternative.