Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or a few days per week. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For an individual with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facilities that provide treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehab option.