Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or several days weekly. This is helpful for those who have recently completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is really a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more effective rehab option.