Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services part-time each day or several days per week. This is helpful for many who have just completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is really a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab programs which provide rehab over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment choice.