Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services part-time on a daily basis or several days a week. This is very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For a person with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab programs that provide rehab over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehabilitation alternative.