Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services part-time each day or a few days weekly. This is very helpful for many who have recently completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a very small amount of clients. For a person with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment centers that provide treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial treatment option.