Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time every day or several days each week. This is often helpful for those who have just completed an even more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab programs which offer treatment over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehab choice.