Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services part-time every day or a few days weekly. This can be very helpful for many who have just completed an even more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small amount of clients. For a person with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment facilities that provide rehab over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehabilitation option.