Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to take part in treatment services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that 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 each day or a few days weekly. This is helpful for many who have recently completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more effective rehab option.