Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services part-time each day or several days per week. This is helpful for many who have recently completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment programs that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment alternative.