Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services part-time every day or several days each week. This can be very helpful for those who have just completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities that provide rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehab option.