Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services part-time on a daily basis or several days a week. This is helpful for many who have just completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab programs which offer treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehab alternative.