Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment you might normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address substantial substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis daily or a few days a week. This is helpful for those who have just completed an even more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities that provide treatment on a long-term basis will be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.