Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to solve significant substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services part-time daily or a few days per week. This is helpful for those who have just completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment centers which offer rehab over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective treatment alternative.