Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. People who choose an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or several days a week. This is helpful for those who have just completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a very small amount of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment programs that provide rehab over a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehab alternative.