Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis every day or a few days per week. This is helpful for individuals who have just completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For a person with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation programs which offer rehab on a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehab alternative.