Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehab facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis daily or a few days a week. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small number of clients. For a person with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs that provide rehab on a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment option.