Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment you might normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug rehab program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to solve substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services part-time each day or a few days a week. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab facilities that provide treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehab option.