Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or a few days each week. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with only a short history of drug use which is usually a very small amount of clients. For a person with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab centers that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehab alternative.