Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days weekly. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs which offer rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective treatment alternative.