Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to take part in treatment services without the commitment you might usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services part-time daily or a few days a week. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed a more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab centers which offer treatment over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehab option.