Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or a few days a week. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For somebody with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facilities that provide treatment on a long-term basis will be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.