Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services part-time daily or several days weekly. This can be very helpful for individuals who have just completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a short history of drug use which is usually a very small amount of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facilities which provide treatment on a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment option.