Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or several days each week. This can be very helpful for those who have just completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with just a short history of drug use which is usually a really small number of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers that provide treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment alternative.