Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or a few days each week. This is very helpful for many who have just completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a really small amount of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehab centers which provide rehab on a long-term basis will be the more effective rehab alternative.