Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve significant substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or a few days a week. This is often helpful for individuals who have just completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab programs which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial treatment option.