Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve significant drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services part-time each day or a few days a week. This is very helpful for those who have recently completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facilities which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab option.