Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis daily or several days per week. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For an individual with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment centers which provide rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehab choice.