Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that choose an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or several days per week. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is usually a very small amount of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs which provide treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehab choice.