Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or a few days per week. This is very helpful for many who have recently completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a very small percentage of clients. For a person with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment centers which provide treatment on a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment choice.