Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services part-time each day or a few days a week. This is often helpful for individuals who have just completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For an individual with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facilities which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more effective rehab alternative.