Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis every day or several days each week. This is helpful for many who have just completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For someone with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs which offer treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehab choice.