Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment you might usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve substantial drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or several days a week. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab centers that provide rehab over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.