Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of 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 with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug rehab facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve substantial substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or a few days each week. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For an individual with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab centers which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective treatment alternative.