Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to solve significant drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services part-time daily or a few days per week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have just completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facilities that provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial treatment alternative.