Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. 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 each day or several days per week. This can be very helpful for many who have just completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small number of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers that provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous treatment alternative.