Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or several days weekly. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For somebody with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facilities which offer treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehabilitation option.