Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or several days each week. This can be very helpful for those who have just completed a more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment centers that provide rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehabilitation choice.