Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve substantial substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services part-time on a daily basis or several days a week. This is helpful for those who have recently completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab programs which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.