Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. 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 while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services part-time each day or several days per week. This is helpful for individuals who have just completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers that provide rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial treatment option.