Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address significant substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or a few days per week. This can be very helpful for many who have just completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a short history of drug use which is really a really small number of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment alternative.