Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services part-time daily or a few days weekly. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For an individual with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab centers which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehab option.