Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or several days per week. This is often helpful for many who have just completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For a person with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facilities that provide rehab on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment option.