Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services part-time each day or a few days weekly. This can be very helpful for those who have recently completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a very small number of clients. For an individual with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs that provide treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehabilitation option.