Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment 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 although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or a few days weekly. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers which provide treatment over a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment option.