Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to take part in treatment services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehab program. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or a few days each week. This can be very helpful for many who have just completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities which provide rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehab alternative.