Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug rehab program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People that decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services part-time daily or several days per week. This is often helpful for many who have just completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For someone with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs which offer treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehabilitation option.