Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve significant substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or several days each week. This can be very helpful for many who have just completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a very small amount of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facilities which provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment choice.