Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment you might usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve significant substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days weekly. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment option.