Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to solve substantial substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who choose an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services part-time each day or a few days a week. This is often helpful for those who have just completed a more thorough 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 very small percentage of clients. For somebody with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facilities that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehab choice.