Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment you might normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment center. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve substantial substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that decide on an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services part-time every day or several days weekly. This is helpful for those who have just completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a really small number of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs which provide rehab over a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment option.