Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug rehab center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services part-time daily or several days each week. This is very helpful for many who have just completed an even more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with just a short history of drug use which is really a really small amount of clients. For a person with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs that provide rehab over a long-term basis will be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.