Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve substantial substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services part-time each day or a few days each week. This is helpful for those who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a short history of drug use which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For an individual with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facilities which offer rehab over a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment choice.