Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis every day or a few days a week. This is very helpful for those who have just completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good 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 someone with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers which offer rehab over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehabilitation option.