Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services part-time each day or several days each week. This is very helpful for those who have just completed a more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment facilities that provide rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehabilitation choice.