Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facility. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation 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 a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services part-time on a daily basis or a few days per week. This is very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a short history of drug use which is really a really small percentage of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment facilities which offer rehab on a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment alternative.