Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to solve significant substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services part-time each day or a few days per week. This is often helpful for those who have just completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a very small amount of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities that provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehabilitation alternative.