Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve substantial substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services part-time daily or a few days a week. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For a person with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab centers which offer treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment choice.