Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address substantial substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that decide on an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or several days per week. This is often helpful for individuals who have just completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For a person with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment centers that provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial treatment alternative.