Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis every day or a few days each week. This is very helpful for many who have just completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a short history of drug use which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For somebody with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab programs which provide rehab on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehabilitation option.