Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve significant substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services part-time on a daily basis or a few days per week. This is very helpful for many who have just completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation centers that provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehabilitation option.