Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment center. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services part-time each day or several days a week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For someone with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab centers which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more effective rehabilitation option.