Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services part-time on a daily basis or a few days per week. This is often helpful for many who have just completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment facilities which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehabilitation choice.