Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services part-time every day or several days a week. This is often helpful for individuals who have just completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities which offer treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.