Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facility. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or a few days each week. This is very helpful for many who have just completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small percentage of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facilities which offer rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehabilitation choice.