Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to take part in treatment services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People who choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis every day or a few days each week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For an individual with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers that provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehab alternative.