Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve substantial substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services part-time every day or several days each week. This is very helpful for those who have just completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a short history of drug use which is really a very small amount of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment centers that provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehabilitation option.