Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis every day or a few days each week. This is helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment choice.