Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time every day or a few days a week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For somebody with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment centers that provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment option.