Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People who choose an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services part-time every day or a few days a week. This can be very helpful for those who have just completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For a person with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment facilities which offer rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.