Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to solve substantial substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or several days each week. This is often helpful for those who have just completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a very small amount of clients. For an individual with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation centers which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehab choice.