Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services part-time each day or a few days weekly. This is often helpful for those who have just completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small number of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab centers that provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab alternative.