Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve significant substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. People who choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or several days each week. This is very helpful for many who have recently completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For a person with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.