Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to solve substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People that choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or several days a week. This is helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation programs that provide rehab over a long-term basis will be the more effective rehabilitation option.