Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services part-time each day or several days each week. This can be very helpful for those who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For somebody with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehab centers that provide rehab over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial treatment choice.