Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or a few days weekly. This is helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For an individual with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facilities that provide rehab over a long-term basis will be the more effective rehabilitation choice.