Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services part-time on a daily basis or a few days a week. This is very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For an individual with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facilities which offer treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehabilitation option.