Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug rehab program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or a few days each week. This is very helpful for individuals who have just completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a very small amount of clients. For someone with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab programs which provide treatment over a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment choice.