Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug rehab program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve substantial substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services part-time every day or several days weekly. This is very helpful for many who have just completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs which provide treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehab choice.