Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve substantial drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services part-time on a daily basis or several days a week. This is very helpful for those who have recently completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is really a very small amount of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities that provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more effective rehabilitation option.