Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis every day or a few days a week. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a short history of drug use which is really a very small amount of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facilities that provide rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehab alternative.