Individuals who wish 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 enables the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. Those that decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days a week. This is helpful for many who have recently completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation programs which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more effective rehab choice.