Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services part-time every day or a few days a week. This is very helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For an individual with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab programs which provide rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective treatment option.