Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services part-time daily or a few days weekly. This is often helpful for individuals who have just completed a more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a short history of drug use which is usually a really small amount of clients. For someone with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehabilitation alternative.