Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug rehab center. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis every day or several days weekly. This is often helpful for many who have just completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a short history of drug use which is really a very small amount of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab choice.