Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment you might normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. People who choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis every day or a few days each week. This is very helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For a person with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab centers which offer rehab on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab option.