Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment you might usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve substantial drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or several days a week. This is very helpful for those who have just completed an even more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facilities which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment choice.