Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or a few days per week. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed a more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For a person with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities which offer treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehab alternative.