Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services part-time on a daily basis or several days weekly. This is often helpful for many who have just completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For a person with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehabilitation choice.