Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or several days weekly. This is helpful for many who have just completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a short history of drug use which is really a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs that provide treatment on a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment choice.