Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve substantial substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or several days each week. This is helpful for many who have just completed an even more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a short history of drug use which is usually a really small number of clients. For an individual with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment centers which offer treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehab alternative.