Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services part-time on a daily basis or a few days a week. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs which provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment choice.