Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to take part in treatment services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis daily or a few days per week. This is helpful for many who have just completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is really a very small percentage of clients. For somebody with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation centers that provide treatment on a long-term basis will be the more effective rehabilitation choice.