Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve significant drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time each day or a few days each week. This is often helpful for individuals who have just completed a more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a very small amount of clients. For an individual with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers which provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment option.