Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or a few days per week. This is very helpful for many who have recently completed an even more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab centers that provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab alternative.