Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to solve substantial substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that decide on an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or a few days each week. This is helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation programs which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective treatment alternative.