Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment center. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. People who choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services part-time each day or a few days per week. This is helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.