Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to take part in treatment services without the 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 individuals who need to resolve significant substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services part-time daily or several days a week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with just a short history of drug use which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For an individual with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab centers which provide treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective treatment option.