Individuals who would like 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 will allow for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis every day or several days each week. This is helpful for many who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehab centers that provide treatment over a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment alternative.