Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug rehab center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services part-time each day or several days per week. This is very helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs which provide treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial treatment alternative.