Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug rehab center. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. People that choose an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or several days per week. This is helpful for many who have recently completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with just a short history of drug use which is usually a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehab alternative.