Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or several days weekly. This is helpful for many who have recently completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab programs which offer rehab over a long-term basis will be the more effective rehabilitation choice.