Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis daily or a few days each week. This is very helpful for those who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a short history of drug use which is really a very small percentage of clients. For an individual with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehab programs which offer rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehab alternative.