Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services part-time each day or several days each week. This is helpful for many who have just completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For someone with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation centers which provide rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective treatment alternative.