Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve significant drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or several days a week. This is often helpful for those who have just completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab centers which provide treatment over a long-term basis will be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.