Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve significant substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services part-time on a daily basis or several days per week. This is very helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a very small number of clients. For a person with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab centers which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial treatment alternative.