Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that decide on an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or several days per week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have just completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a short history of drug use which is usually a very small number of clients. For an individual with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehab programs which offer rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehab option.