Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or several days per week. This is helpful for many who have recently completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For an individual with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment option.