Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. People that decide on an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or several days per week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a very small percentage of clients. For an individual with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment programs which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more effective rehab option.