Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address substantial substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. People who choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time each day or a few days per week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is really a very small amount of clients. For a person with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facilities that provide rehab over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehabilitation alternative.