Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to take part in treatment services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve significant substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. People that choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services part-time each day or several days a week. This is helpful for many who have recently completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation programs that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehabilitation choice.