Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days each week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have just completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For an individual with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs that provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment alternative.