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 will allow for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services part-time every day or a few days each week. This is very helpful for those who have recently completed an even more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For somebody with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facilities that provide rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.