Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to solve significant drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or a few days per week. This is often helpful for those who have just completed an even more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For someone with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facilities which offer treatment on a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehab alternative.