Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or several days each week. This is very helpful for those who have just completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For an individual with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehab choice.