Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or several days a week. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a short history of drug use which is really a really small amount of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab programs which provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehab alternative.