Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services part-time on a daily basis or a few days per week. This can be very helpful for those who have recently completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a short history of drug use which is really a really small percentage of clients. For an individual with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment programs which offer treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehab choice.