Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve significant substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or several days each week. This is helpful for those who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is really a very small percentage of clients. For an individual with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers which offer rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment choice.