Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to take part in treatment services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or a few days each week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have just completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a short history of drug use which is really a really small percentage of clients. For a person with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab facilities which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehabilitation alternative.