Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve significant substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services part-time each day or a few days each week. 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 just a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For a person with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers which offer rehab over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment alternative.