Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehab center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve substantial substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or several days per week. This is often helpful for many who have just completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For a person with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab programs that provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective treatment choice.