Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment you might normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or several days weekly. This is helpful for many who have recently completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For an individual with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facilities which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehab option.