Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve substantial substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or a few days a week. This is helpful for those who have just completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For somebody with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous treatment alternative.