Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment center. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services part-time every day or a few days each week. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers that provide rehab over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehabilitation choice.