Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve significant substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time daily or a few days each week. This is very helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For somebody with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs which provide treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment alternative.