Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment you might normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to solve significant drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or a few days weekly. This is often helpful for those who have just completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a short history of drug use which is really a very small amount of clients. For someone with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment programs that provide treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.