Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that choose an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis daily or a few days each week. This is very helpful for many who have just completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facilities that provide treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehabilitation option.