Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or several days weekly. This is often helpful for those who have just completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For somebody with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facilities which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment choice.