Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve significant drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days a week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have just completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For a person with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab centers which offer treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab alternative.