Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment 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 consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services part-time daily or several days each week. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small number of clients. For a person with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facilities that provide treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab alternative.