Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug rehab center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis every day or a few days a week. This is helpful for those who have recently completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a short history of drug use which is really a really small number of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment programs that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehabilitation choice.