Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of 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 rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or several days weekly. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is usually a very small amount of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facilities which provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehab alternative.