Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to take part in treatment services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services part-time each day or several days a week. This is often helpful for individuals who have just completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab centers which offer rehab on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehabilitation alternative.