Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or several days each week. This is helpful for many who have just completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment centers which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment choice.