Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might normally have to consent 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 substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services part-time every day or several days per week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For an individual with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehab alternative.