Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or several days weekly. This is 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 just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehab alternative.