Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services part-time daily or several days per week. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab programs which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehabilitation alternative.