Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that choose an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis every day or several days per week. This is often helpful for those who have just completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a short history of drug use which is really a really small percentage of clients. For a person with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers which offer treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab choice.