Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or several days a week. This is very helpful for individuals who have just completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a short history of drug use which is really a really small number of clients. For an individual with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facilities that provide rehab on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment alternative.