Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug rehab program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that choose an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services part-time on a daily basis or several days each week. This can be very helpful for those who have just completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For somebody with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs that provide rehab on a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment option.