Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab program. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days each week. This can be very helpful for those who have recently completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For a person with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehab facilities that provide treatment on a long-term basis will be the more effective rehab alternative.