Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to take part in rehab services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug rehab facility. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve significant drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or several days a week. This can be very helpful for many who have just completed a more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab centers which offer treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehab alternative.