Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment you might usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services part-time on a daily basis or a few days weekly. This is helpful for those who have recently completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For somebody with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment choice.