Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis daily or several days a week. This is helpful for those who have recently completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a really small number of clients. For a person with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment alternative.