Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in treatment services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve significant substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or a few days each week. This is very helpful for those who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a very small number of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation programs which provide rehab over a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment choice.