Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or a few days a week. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small number of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation centers which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehab option.