Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to solve substantial drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis daily or a few days weekly. This is very helpful for those who have recently completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers which provide rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehab choice.