Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or several days per week. This can be very helpful for those who have recently completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with only a short 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 programs which offer treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.