Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to take part in rehab services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services part-time daily or several days per week. This is helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For an individual with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehab choice.