Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve substantial substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis every day or several days a week. This is very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For someone with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment centers which offer rehab over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehab alternative.