Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or a few days per week. This is very helpful for those who have recently completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment alternative.