Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve significant drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that choose an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days weekly. This is very helpful for many who have recently completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For an individual with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation programs that provide treatment on a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment alternative.