Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis every day or a few days each week. This is very helpful for many who have recently completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation centers which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment option.