Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services part-time on a daily basis or a few days weekly. This can be very helpful for many who have just completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a very small amount of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs which offer rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehab alternative.