Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to solve substantial substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or several days each week. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For an individual with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment facilities which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment alternative.