Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve significant substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. People that choose an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or several days each week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facilities which provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab alternative.