Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount 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 rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to solve significant drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services part-time daily or several days each week. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For an individual with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment facilities which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehab choice.