Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve substantial substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time each day or a few days a week. This is helpful for many who have just completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment programs which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehabilitation option.