Individuals who wish 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 treatment services without the commitment you might usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment center. This doesn't often work in the treatment 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 a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis daily or a few days a week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment centers that provide treatment on a long-term basis will be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.