Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of 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 take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve significant substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis every day or a few days each week. This can be very helpful for many who have just completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab programs that provide rehab on a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment alternative.