Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facility. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or several days each week. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a very small amount of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers which offer rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehabilitation choice.