Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse issues. 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 typically attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or several days per week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a very small percentage of clients. For an individual with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment centers that provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehabilitation choice.