Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might usually have to consent 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 individuals who need to resolve significant substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. People who choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services part-time on a daily basis or several days per week. This is very helpful for individuals who have just completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For a person with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs that provide treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehabilitation choice.