Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve significant substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis every day or a few days each week. This is helpful for those who have just completed a more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs which offer rehab on a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehab choice.