Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or several days each week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facilities which provide rehab on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehab choice.