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 makes it possible for the rehab client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis daily or a few days each week. This is often helpful for many who have just completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For someone with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs which provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehabilitation option.