Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab center. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or several days each week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For a person with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab programs which offer treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous treatment alternative.