Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or several days per week. This can be very helpful for those who have just completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For an individual with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective treatment choice.