Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or several days per week. This can be very helpful for those who have just completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a short history of drug use which is usually a very small amount of clients. For somebody with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facilities that provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehab choice.