Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to take part in rehab services without the commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or a few days each week. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed an even more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For somebody with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment centers which offer rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehabilitation option.