Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services part-time every day or several days each week. This is very helpful for those who have recently completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a very small number of clients. For an individual with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facilities that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial treatment alternative.