Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services part-time each day or a few days each week. This can be very helpful for those who have recently completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab programs which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more effective rehab choice.