Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to take part in treatment services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to solve significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis every day or a few days weekly. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs that provide rehab on a long-term basis will be the more effective rehabilitation choice.