Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. People that choose an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services part-time every day or several days per week. This is very helpful for individuals who have just completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For a person with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehab programs which provide treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective treatment choice.