Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People that choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of 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 just completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab programs that provide rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial treatment option.