Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or several days per week. This is helpful for many who have just completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a very small amount of clients. For somebody with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab programs which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehabilitation choice.