Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within 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 treatment services with the same commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or a few days each week. This is helpful for many who have just completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a really small amount of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs that provide rehab on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehab option.