Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis daily or a few days each week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For someone with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers that provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment option.