Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or several days a week. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment programs which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment option.