Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve significant substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services part-time every day or a few days each week. This is helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For someone with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers which provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab option.