Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days per week. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is really a very small amount of clients. For an individual with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehab programs which offer treatment on a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehab alternative.