Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve significant drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services part-time every day or a few days per week. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a short history of drug use which is really a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more effective rehab option.