Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment you might normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve substantial substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services part-time on a daily basis or a few days per week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehab programs that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial treatment choice.