Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or several days each week. This is very helpful for those who have just completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a really small number of clients. For an individual with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab facilities which provide treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective treatment choice.