Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services without the commitment one would usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days a week. This can be very helpful for those who have recently completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small number of clients. For an individual with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers which offer rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehab choice.