Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. People that decide on an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or a few days per week. This can be very helpful for those who have recently completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For someone with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs that provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab option.