Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug rehab center. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis daily or several days each week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facilities that provide treatment over a long-term basis will be the more effective rehab choice.