Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve substantial substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or a few days each week. This is very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For an individual with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs which provide treatment over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial treatment choice.