Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve significant drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or several days each week. This is very helpful for many who have just completed an even more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation programs which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehabilitation choice.