Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment you might usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or a few days weekly. This is often helpful for individuals who have just completed a more thorough 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 really small number of clients. For a person with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation centers that provide rehab on a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehab alternative.