Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or a few days each week. This is helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For an individual with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab programs which offer rehab over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehab alternative.