Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or several days weekly. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For an individual with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation centers which offer rehab on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.