Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time daily or a few days each week. This can be very helpful for those who have recently completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is really a very small percentage of clients. For an individual with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehabilitation option.