Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might normally have to consent to within 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 even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis every day or a few days weekly. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small amount of clients. For a person with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs that provide treatment over a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment choice.