Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services part-time each day or several days a week. This is helpful for many who have just completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For someone with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment centers which offer rehab on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab choice.