Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or a few days a week. This is very helpful for many who have recently completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For a person with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs which provide treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehab choice.