Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services part-time each day or several days per week. This is helpful for many who have just completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab programs that provide rehab over a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehab choice.