Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services part-time every day or several days weekly. This is very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a very small number of clients. For a person with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial treatment option.