Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug rehab program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve significant substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis every day or a few days each week. This is often helpful for many who have just completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For a person with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment centers which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehabilitation option.