Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services part-time every day or several days per week. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment centers which provide rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective treatment alternative.