Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug rehab program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services part-time every day or a few days per week. This is helpful for those who have just completed an even more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For someone with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers that provide treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective treatment choice.