Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve substantial substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that decide on an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis daily or a few days per week. This is often helpful for many who have just completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers which provide treatment on a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehab option.