Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services part-time every day or a few days each week. This can be very helpful for many who have just completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers that provide treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehabilitation choice.