Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve substantial drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or a few days weekly. This can be very helpful for those who have recently completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with just a short history of drug use which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment centers that provide treatment over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehabilitation option.