Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve substantial substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services part-time every day or several days weekly. This is very helpful for those who have just completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with just a short history of drug use which is really a very small percentage of clients. For a person with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs which provide rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.