Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to take part in rehab services without the commitment you might normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or a few days each week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For someone with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facilities that provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehabilitation option.