Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve significant substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services part-time daily or a few days weekly. This is often helpful for those who have just completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab centers that provide rehab over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehab option.