Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who choose an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services part-time every day or a few days a week. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facilities that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective treatment option.