Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment you might usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address significant substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis every day or a few days per week. This is very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective treatment alternative.