Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve substantial substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. People who choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services part-time each day or several days each week. This is very helpful for many who have recently completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation centers which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more effective rehab option.