Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment you might usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. People that choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time each day or several days per week. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For somebody with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facilities that provide treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehab option.