Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or a few days per week. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities which offer treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehab alternative.