Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. 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 while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or several days each week. This is very helpful for those who have just completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For an individual with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment centers that provide rehab on a long-term basis will be the more effective rehabilitation choice.