Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to take part in treatment services without the commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve substantial drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time each day or a few days per week. This is very helpful for many who have recently completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is usually a very small amount of clients. For a person with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facilities which provide treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous treatment choice.