Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve significant substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services part-time daily or several days per week. This is very helpful for individuals who have just completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a short history of drug use which is really a really small amount of clients. For a person with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs that provide rehab over a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment alternative.