Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services part-time daily or a few days per week. This can be very helpful for those who have recently completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a short history of drug use which is really a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation centers which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehabilitation option.