Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who choose an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or a few days each week. This is very helpful for many who have recently completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a short history of drug use which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab programs that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehabilitation option.