Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to take part in treatment services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services part-time daily or a few days each week. This is helpful for individuals who have just completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For an individual with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities which offer treatment over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehabilitation alternative.