Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services part-time every day or a few days weekly. This is often helpful for individuals who have just completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a very small percentage of clients. For an individual with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs that provide rehab on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehabilitation choice.