Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to take part in rehab services without the commitment you might normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve substantial substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days per week. This is helpful for those who have just completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small percentage of clients. For a person with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehabilitation choice.