Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment you might normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People that decide on an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services part-time each day or a few days each week. This is very helpful for many who have just completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with just a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small amount of clients. For a person with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab alternative.