Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment you might normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve significant substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those that decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis daily or a few days per week. This is very helpful for those who have recently completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small amount of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers that provide rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective treatment choice.