Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services part-time on a daily basis or several days weekly. This can be very helpful for those who have recently completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment centers which provide treatment over a long-term basis will be the more effective rehabilitation option.