Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days per week. This is often helpful for many who have just completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For a person with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facilities that provide treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial treatment alternative.