Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when 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 normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. People that choose an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or several days each week. This can be very helpful for individuals 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 use which is usually a really small number of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities which offer rehab over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.