Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days a week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehab programs which offer rehab on a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehabilitation alternative.