Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment center. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve substantial substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time daily or a few days per week. This is often helpful for those who have just completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a very small amount of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation programs that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehab alternative.