Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to solve significant drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services part-time on a daily basis or several days per week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For a person with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facilities which offer rehab on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.