Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment center. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or a few days per week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For someone with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment centers which offer rehab over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehab option.