Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis every day or a few days a week. This is helpful for many who have recently completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab centers that provide rehab over a long-term basis will be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.