Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab center. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time every day or several days weekly. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For a person with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers that provide treatment on a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment alternative.