Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment you might 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 clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services part-time every day or a few days each week. This is very helpful for many who have just completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For an individual with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs which provide treatment over a long-term basis will be the more effective rehab option.