Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in treatment services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those that decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time every day or several days per week. This is often helpful for those who have just completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small number of clients. For an individual with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab centers which offer rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehab alternative.