Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. People who choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services part-time on a daily basis or several days a week. This is often helpful for many who have just completed a more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For somebody with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities that provide treatment on a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment alternative.