Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment 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 possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services part-time every day or a few days weekly. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a very small amount of clients. For somebody with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehabilitation option.