Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to take part in treatment services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services part-time each day or several days each week. This is helpful for individuals who have just completed an even more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment centers which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial treatment alternative.