Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis daily or several days per week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small amount of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab centers which offer treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective treatment choice.