Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to solve substantial drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or several days each week. This can be very helpful for many who have just completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For a person with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation programs which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment choice.