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 will allow for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis daily or a few days weekly. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab centers which provide rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective treatment alternative.