Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve substantial substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and take part in 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 individuals who have just completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For somebody with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs that provide rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous treatment alternative.