Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to solve significant drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. People that choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or a few days per week. This is helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For an individual with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facilities that provide rehab on a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehabilitation option.