Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or several days each week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have just completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a really small percentage of clients. For somebody with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers which provide treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial treatment choice.