Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve significant drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services part-time on a daily basis or several days a week. This is very helpful for those who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For a person with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities that provide treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous treatment alternative.