Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services part-time every day or a few days a week. This is very helpful for many who have recently completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For a person with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs that provide treatment on a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment choice.