Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days a week. This is often helpful for many who have just completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small amount of clients. For a person with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers which offer rehab over a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment option.