Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services part-time on a daily basis or a few days each week. This is helpful for individuals who have just completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For someone with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers which provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.