Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug rehab facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services part-time each day or a few days each week. This is helpful for individuals who have just completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab centers that provide treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehab alternative.