Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services part-time every day or several days per week. This is helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities which offer rehab on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehabilitation alternative.