Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehab program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve significant substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or several days per week. This is helpful for individuals who have just completed an even more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a short history of drug use which is really a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facilities which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehabilitation alternative.