Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services part-time each day or several days per week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab programs that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehabilitation option.