Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or several days a week. This is helpful for individuals who have just completed an even more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is really a very small amount of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab choice.