Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in rehab services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve significant substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days a week. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small amount of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers which provide rehab over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective treatment option.