Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time every day or a few days per week. This is helpful for many who have just completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs that provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehab alternative.