Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services part-time every day or a few days weekly. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab facilities which offer rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab option.