Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who choose an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days per week. This is very helpful for many who have just completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a very small percentage of clients. For somebody with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers that provide treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehab alternative.