Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis daily or a few days weekly. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For somebody with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment centers which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab choice.