Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within 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 take part in rehab services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days a week. This is often helpful for individuals who have just completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For an individual with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab programs which provide treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.