Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to take part in treatment services without the commitment you might normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to solve significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who choose an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or several days weekly. This is often helpful for those who have just completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers which provide rehab over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.