Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time every day or several days weekly. This can be very helpful for those who have recently completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small amount of clients. For somebody with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab centers which provide treatment over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehab alternative.