Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or a few days per week. This is very helpful for those who have just completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For an individual with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facilities which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab option.