Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to solve substantial substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services part-time daily or a few days weekly. This is very helpful for many who have recently completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For an individual with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.