Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehab center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services part-time daily or a few days per week. This is helpful for those who have just completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a really small amount of clients. For a person with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment programs that provide rehab on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment alternative.