Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services part-time each day or several days each week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facilities which offer treatment over a long-term basis will be the more effective rehab alternative.