Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to solve significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or several days a week. This is helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs that provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab alternative.