Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who choose an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days each week. This is very helpful for many who have just completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a short history of drug use which is really a really small amount of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehab option.