Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or a few days weekly. This is very helpful for individuals who have just completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small number of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab programs which provide treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial treatment alternative.