Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services without the commitment one would usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to solve significant substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or several days each week. This is helpful for many who have recently completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs which offer treatment over a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment choice.