Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or a few days each week. This is helpful for many who have just completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a very small amount of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab facilities that provide treatment over a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment alternative.