Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in rehab services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. Those that decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services part-time each day or a few days each week. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For somebody with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment facilities which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment choice.