Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug rehab program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that choose an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or a few days a week. This is helpful for many who have just completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a very small number of clients. For an individual with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab centers that provide rehab on a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment alternative.