Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis daily or a few days per week. This can be very helpful for those who have just completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a very small number of clients. For a person with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation programs that provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment option.