Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address significant substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People who choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services part-time each day or several days weekly. This is helpful for those who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a short history of drug use which is really a very small percentage of clients. For an individual with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facilities which offer treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment alternative.