Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to solve substantial substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or a few days each week. This is very helpful for many who have recently completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment centers which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehabilitation choice.