Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to take part in rehab services without the commitment you might 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 resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that choose an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services part-time every day or a few days each week. This is often helpful for those who have just completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For somebody with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation centers which provide rehab on a long-term basis will be the more effective rehab alternative.