Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug rehab center. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services part-time each day or a few days each week. This is helpful for many who have just completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For someone with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehabilitation choice.