Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehab center. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis every day or a few days per week. This is very helpful for many who have recently completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is really a very small percentage of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment centers which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment option.