Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be 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 treatment services part-time each day or several days a week. This can be very helpful for many who have just completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a brief history of drug use which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For an individual with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs that provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial treatment alternative.