Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to solve significant drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services part-time daily or several days per week. This is helpful for many who have recently completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For an individual with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more effective rehab alternative.