Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to solve substantial substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services part-time on a daily basis or several days per week. This is helpful for many who have just completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For an individual with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers which offer treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehab choice.