Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment you might normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services part-time every day or a few days weekly. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with just a short history of drug use which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs which provide treatment over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehabilitation option.