Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People that decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time daily or a few days a week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For a person with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation centers that provide treatment over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehab option.