Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or a few days each week. This is often helpful for many who have just completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is really a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers which offer treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial treatment option.