Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services part-time every day or several days a week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For somebody with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial treatment alternative.