Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment you might normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab program. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or several days a week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed an even more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a short history of drug use which is really a very small percentage of clients. For an individual with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehabilitation option.