Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services part-time daily or a few days a week. This is helpful for those who have just completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities which provide treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehabilitation choice.