Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in rehab services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve substantial drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services part-time each day or a few days a week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a really small number of clients. For an individual with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facilities that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous treatment option.