Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve substantial substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People that decide on an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or several days a week. This is often helpful for many who have just completed a more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For somebody with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facilities that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehabilitation option.