Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment program. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve substantial substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. People who choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or several days per week. This can be very helpful for those who have recently completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a very small amount of clients. For an individual with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more effective rehab choice.