Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis daily or a few days each week. This is very helpful for many who have recently completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment facilities which offer treatment over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial treatment alternative.