Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis daily or several days a week. This is very helpful for those who have recently completed an even more complete 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 number of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehab centers that provide rehab on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab alternative.