Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services part-time each day or several days per week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have just completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For somebody with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation centers that provide rehab on a long-term basis will be the more effective rehabilitation option.