Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that decide on an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services part-time each day or several days per week. This is very helpful for many who have just completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab centers that provide treatment over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial treatment alternative.