Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehab center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. People that decide on an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis every day or a few days each week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For a person with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment centers which provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab alternative.